Terrorism
Norfolk is a safe place to live and work. The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low. Unfortunately - as seen in recent years - attacks do happen in the UK and abroad. You can check the current terrorism threat level in the UK on the Security Service (MI5) website.
Terrorist attacks are usually targeted at public places where there are lots of people. They are designed to cause large-scale devastation and impact, including:
- High numbers of deaths and serious injuries
- Lasting emotional and psychological trauma - for individual people and communities as a whole
- Change in public sentiment on issues like government institutions, migration, and civil freedoms
- Damage to infrastructure and the economy
Everyone has a role to play in being vigilant, especially in busy public places. Make sure you know what to look out for, what to do if you spot something suspicious, and how to protect yourself if you need to.
How you can prepare
Stay alert in public places
Be aware of your surroundings. Look out for suspicious behaviour, vehicles, or packages.
Norfolk Police explain the signs of possible terrorist activity
Advice for staying safe at public events (Counter Terrorism Policing)
Locate emergency exits
When in a public building or on public transport, familiarise yourself with the location of emergency exits.
Act to prevent radicalisation
Radicalisation can happen when someone develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities.
The ACT Early website explains how to spot the signs of radicalisation.
If you are worried about someone close to you, use the ACT Early Support Line to share your concerns in confidence.
If you work with the public, complete prevent duty training to learn how to support people who are vulnerable to radicalisation.
What to do if you see or hear suspicious activity
If you suspect there is immediate danger, move away and call 999.
If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts:
What to do if you're caught up in a terrorist attack
In the event of a terrorist attack, remember 'Run, hide, tell':
Run
- Escape if you can
- Consider the safest options
- Is there a safe route? Run. If not, hide
- Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?
- Insist others leave with you, but don't let their indecision slow you down
- Leave belongings behind
- Do not attempt to film the incident. Run
Hide
If you cannot run, hide:
- Find cover from gunfire
- If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you. Cover from view does not mean you are safe. Bullets can go through glass, brick, wood, and metal. You must still hide, even if you are behind a locked door
- Find cover from gunfire behind substantial brickwork or heavy reinforced walls
- Be aware of exits
- Try not to get trapped
- Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate
- Lock and barricade
- Move away from the door
Tell
When it is safe to do so, tell by calling 999
What do the police need to know? If you cannot speak or make a noise, listen to the instructions given to you by the call taker:
- Nature of the incident - what is happening?
- Location - where is the incident taking place? Give an address or general location
- Suspects - where are the suspects?
- Direction - where did you last see the suspects?
- Descriptions - describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons etc
- Further information - casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages etc
Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so.
Support after a terrorist attack
Support for victims of terrorism
Coping with traumatic events
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