What you should do if you're caught up in a terror attack: Police issue official advice to public

Crowds of people wait outside after police evacuated the Arndale Centre in Manchester/: Getty Images
Crowds of people wait outside after police evacuated the Arndale Centre in Manchester/: Getty Images

Police have released a three point plan for members of the public who get caught up in a terror attack.

It comes after Theresa May placed the country under ‘critical’ alert – the highest of its kind, indicating an attack is “imminent” - in the wake of the Manchester bombing which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 64.

Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old, born in Manchester to parents of Libyan descent, has been named by police as the suspected suicide bomber.

::Follow the latest updates on the Manchester terror attack here

The Assistant Commissioner and Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing for the Metropolitan police, Mark Rowley said in a statement: “At this time we are asking the public to remain calm but alert.

“If you see anything that causes you concern, then let us know immediately, if you have suspicions about someone's behaviour call us.

"If you believe that you are in the midst of a terror attack, the police have devised a plan."

The police have issued advice on what to do in the event of a weapons attack/ (NPCC)
The police have issued advice on what to do in the event of a weapons attack/ (NPCC)

Here's what you can do:

Run

First run to a place of safety – it is advised not to surrender or negotiate.

Hide

If you cannot run, hide. Turn your phone off, or to silent – and take care to turn off vibrate too. If possible, barricade yourself inside somewhere.

Tell

Only when you are safe, should you tell the police by calling 999 (if you are a UK resident).

If you have witnessed something that could suggest a terrorist threat, you can report it by filling out a form, here.