Holidaymakers told to be on alert for terror attacks

Counter-terrorism authorities are calling on British holidaymakers to be on alert for attacks abroad as millions prepare to jet off on summer breaks.

Police and ministers are urging tourists to make sure they are aware of the key steps they can take to stay safe in the event of a terrorist emergency, before they depart.

A new four-minute film adapting the “run, hide, tell” safety message for a holiday setting will be released on Monday as part of the drive. It depicts a firearms attack unfolding at a hotel and outlines the main advice.

Just over two years ago 30 Britons were among 38 victims killed when a gunman opened fire at a Tunisian beach resort.

Police emphasised there is no specific intelligence that UK holidaymakers will be targeted this summer, saying the film is part of a general campaign to raise public awareness.

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Wilson, national co-ordinator for the Protect and Prepare strategy, told the Press Association: “As we saw in Tunisia in 2015, any Westerner is likely to be a target anywhere in the world.

“That’s the sad reality of it. The chances of it happening are still very low.

“We’ve seen attacks in numerous countries, so we are trying to say Western tourists overseas should be aware of what they should and shouldn’t do if they are caught up in such an attack.”

The “run, hide, tell” message was first introduced by UK police in December 2015 and was activated during the London Bridge atrocity last month.

The guidance says that people should run to a place of safety if there is a safe route, leaving belongings behind and insisting others go with them.

If there is nowhere to go, they should hide by barricading themselves in and turn phones to silent.

Then, only when it is safe, they should alert the authorities by calling the local emergency number, which holidaymakers should find out in advance. For EU countries it is 112.

Mr Wilson said: “Sadly, we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad. So it is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.”

Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon encouraged people to watch the film before they go away.

He said: “While there is no specific information that British holidaymakers will be targeted this summer, it sets out some simple steps we can all take to minimise the impact of an attack if one does take place.”

More than 20,000 travel reps have been trained in safety measures including how to spot suspicious items and activity, as well as what to do in the event of a major terrorist incident.

Nikki White, director of destinations and sustainability at travel association Abta, said: “We know that customers would look to those staff to take the lead and respond quickly to an emerging situation.”

The new video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/f-VrwYJawxc