IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO IN A TERRORIST ATTACK?

Your chances of being caught up in one of these are small, but you can’t discount it. The police advice for a firearms attack is to run if you can, hide if you can’t and tell the authorities what’s going on. I agree. If there’s a crowd heading in one direction, they’re probably running away, so go that way. Main exits may not be your best bet, so, if you’re in a shopping mall, all shops will have a fire exit; head there. If you’re in direct sight of a gunman in a mall, corridor or street, move in a zigzag with your head tucked down and you’ll be a harder target to hit.

If an attack happens at a concert venue, stay on your feet to avoid getting trampled in the panic. Get to a wall and move along it, heading towards the stage area to the fire exits. If you need to hide, find a lockable storeroom and barricade with furniture. Stay silent; only reveal yourself when you’re sure the threat has gone.

Your best guard against suicide bombers is to be aware. Look out for suspicious packages or people with large rucksacks or wearing baggy or unseasonal clothing. If a bomb goes off, get yourself out in the open away from potential secondary devices.

Finally, the nightmare scenario of being taken captive. If you’re British and being held hostage, the SAS will be in charge of the situation. Where you shelter can be crucial. In a room, sit in the corner – not along a wall, by a window or door as these could be used as SAS entry points. The same applies to the seats by the emergency exit on a plane.