What to do during a terrorist weapons attack
Use this when: There is a firearms, knife or other weapons attack near you.
Current official instructions for your area take priority. UK Ready is an independent information site, not a government service. This guide is written from the official sources listed below; it has not yet had a specialist review. Sources checked 13 October 2026.
ACTION SUMMARY
- 1Run: If a safe escape route is available, move away from the attack.
- 2Hide: If escape is unsafe, find substantial protection and hide.
- 3Tell: Call 999 when safe. Give your exact location, what is happening, where the attacker was last seen, descriptions and injuries you know about.
- 4When armed police arrive, follow instructions, keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
In detail
Run: If a safe escape route is available, move away from the attack. Leave belongings. Encourage others to leave, but do not stay in danger while they decide. Avoid a route which takes you towards the attacker. Do not stop to film or livestream.
Hide: If escape is unsafe, find substantial protection and hide. Being out of sight does not necessarily protect against bullets. Lock and barricade a door if you can, move away from it, silence your phone including vibration, and remain quiet. Be aware of exits without exposing yourself to the attacker.
Tell: Call 999 when safe. Give your exact location, what is happening, where the attacker was last seen, descriptions and injuries you know about. Follow the operator's questions. If you cannot speak, follow the silent-call instructions in Receiving warnings and staying informed. Do not assume the police know where you are.
When armed police arrive, follow instructions, keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements. Officers may need to establish who is a threat and may not immediately stop to help injured people. Stay calm and do as directed.
Helping others: Only provide first aid when it is safe. Do not re-enter the attack area or expose yourself to rescue belongings. Tell responders about people who need assistance and their location. A disability or caring responsibility may change your available escape options; discuss these before an incident with the venue or workplace when possible.
Before visiting a venue: Notice exits and staff instructions. Keep children's contact arrangements simple. A venue's security plan can inform your response, but public Run Hide Tell advice should not be replaced by a generic instruction to gather everyone at an exposed assembly point.
Afterwards: Move to the safe place directed by responders, check for injuries, and send a short update to a trusted contact when permitted. Avoid sharing people's identities, casualty images or unverified claims. Obtain support if distress persists or prevents ordinary daily life.
Official sources
This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.
- Counter Terrorism Policing ProtectUK: Marauding Terrorist Attack Run Hide Tell Covers: UKPublished: 2022-03-01Checked: 2026-10-13
- Police UK: How to make a silent 999 call Covers: UK police contact guidancePublished: Not stated in the material retrievedChecked: 2026-10-13
- St John Ambulance: How to do CPR Covers: UK recognised first aid charityPublished: 2025-04-28Checked: 2026-10-13
- NHS Every Mind Matters: Bereavement and traumatic events Covers: NHS public mental health advicePublished: Not stated in the material retrievedChecked: 2026-10-13
Adapted Crown copyright material is used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. No government endorsement is implied.
Common questions
Should I run towards injured people during an attack?
Only assist when safe. Escape or hide from an active attacker first, and tell responders where injured people are. Do not become another casualty.
Is hiding behind a door guaranteed protection from bullets?
No. Being out of sight is not the same as physical protection. Use substantial cover if possible, lock and barricade when hiding, and remain away from the door.
Should I film an attack so police can see what happened?
Do not stop to film during an attack. Leave if safe, hide if not, and call police when safe. Pass on facts you already know without putting yourself at risk.
Does pressing 55 tell police my location?
No. On a mobile 999 call it transfers you to police when prompted. It does not automatically identify your location. Give location information where possible and follow the operator.
Related guides
- Household preparationReceiving warnings and staying informed
- Attacks and explosionsSuspicious items, explosions and bomb threats
- Family and access needsBasic first aid while waiting for emergency help
- Family and access needsBabies, children, pregnancy and people who need help
- RecoveryReturning home, recovery and wellbeing