Don’t risk your life filming terrorist attacks – just run, children warned

Young people are risking their lives by filming terror attacks on their mobile phones rather than running and hiding, police have said, as a new campaign launches to help keep children safe.

Bear Grylls, the survival expert, and Jamie Vardy, the England footballer, are among the celebrities who are fronting the new counter-terror initiative which advises young people what to do in the event of an attack.

With five terrorist incidents taking place in the UK in recent months, the authorities are issuing new guidance to keep children and teenagers safe if they are caught up in an attack. One of the key messages is to not hang around and take pictures on cell phones if they see something unfolding.

Grylls said: “I’ve tackled some of the most dangerous environments on Earth, but in the event of a terrorist attack there is only one thing I would advise: run, hide, tell.”

Lucy D’orsi, Met Police deputy assistant commissioner, who is the national lead officer on protection and security, said: “Many young people think filming would be a good thing to provide evidence for police. We must get them to understand that the priority must be their safety.”