Run, Hide, Tell safety advice for students

Counter Terrorism Policing is calling on students to read Run, Hide, Tell advice, which explains what to do in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.

Metropolitan Police officers will be visiting universities across London during Freshers’ weeks to speak with students and staff about the advice.

The message comes after it was recently revealed that the number of attacks foiled by police and security services, since the Westminster atrocity in March 2017, has increased from 19 to 22.

If anyone gets caught up in a firearms or weapons attack, police advice is:
Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there is nowhere to go then...

Hide, it’s better than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally, and only when it is safe to do so…
Tell the police by calling 999.

Remember if you see anything suspicious that is giving you cause for concern, trust your instincts and ACT. Students should contact college or university security staff or report online here.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D'Orsi, said: “There is no specific intelligence to show that colleges and universities are being targeted, and the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low. But sadly we saw in 2017, and more recently, that attacks can be carried out anywhere.

“Starting university and college is an exciting time for students. We know many people will have seen our safety advice during the festival season. It is really important that students stay alert and this simple, straightforward information could save lives. We are also encouraging students to play their part in keeping everyone safe by reporting any suspicious behaviour.”