Suspicious items, explosions and bomb threats

Do not touch, open or move a suspicious item. Move away, encourage others to keep clear if safe, and alert staff or police. Call 999 from a safe location away from the item; ProtectUK advises against using a mobile within 15 metres of a suspicious item. Do not stand beside it to photograph it or investigate its contents.

A bag being unattended does not by itself establish that it contains a device. Give responders the facts: where it is, what made it concerning and when you noticed it. Use staff procedures if you are at a station or venue. For a suspicious small item, ProtectUK's public guidance advises moving at least 100 metres away, behind substantial cover and clear of glass or parked vehicles. Larger items may require greater distances. Follow police or security directions; that minimum is not a guarantee of protection from every device.

If a bomb threat is made directly to you, remain calm, retain the message and report it to police. Do not forward threatening messages around a group or delete possible evidence. Tell venue staff without delaying the emergency report. Do not attempt to search an unsafe area yourself.

After an explosion

1. Get away from immediate danger, glass, fire and unstable structures by a safe route.
2. Do not assume there can be no further hazards. Avoid crowds gathering near the scene.
3. Call 999 when safe and give location and visible hazards.
4. Help injured people only when the scene is safe for you; follow dispatcher instructions.
5. Keep roads and access clear for emergency vehicles and obey cordons.

If you are trapped, protect your airway from dust where possible and make your location known by calling or signalling when safe. Do not move unstable debris or operate switches if gas may be present. Tell the call handler about fire, smoke, collapse or hazardous substances.

Do not: Return to collect belongings, handle debris that may be dangerous or evidence, or identify an attacker's motives from rumours. An explosion can also be accidental; the immediate priority is safety.