Malicious threats include actions like terrorism and organised crime, and details are often sensitive. While attacks in the UK are rare, recent events in Manchester and London highlight the very real threat faced in the UK.

Terrorism Threat Levels 

Terrorism threat levels indicate the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK. There are 5 categories at which the threat levels could be set:  

• LOW – an attack is highly unlikely  
• MODERATE – an attack is possible, but not likely  
• SUBSTANTIAL – an attack is likely  
• SEVERE – an attack is highly likely  
• CRITICAL – an attack is highly likely in the near future 

 This is the Current National Threat Level.

Reporting Suspicious Activity 

Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity. 

• Police – 999 
• Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.  
• British Transport Police: 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016 
• Report possible terrorist or extremist activity | Action Counters Terrorism – Report possible terrorist or extremist activity 
• If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5. 

Top tips

• Watch this short Stay Safe film on actions to take in the event of an attack
• Follow this link to safety advice for the general public Safety Advice For The Public | Counter Terrorism Policing
• For guidance on the threat posed in the UK, visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website
• Download the CitizenAID app for iOS, Android and Windows for step-by-step advice to help if you’re directly affected by an incident to stay safe and save the lives of the injured. 
• Access online training that is appropriate for you.
• Familiarise yourself with the ProtectUK response action cards.
• If you own a business, consider producing a business continuity plan for your organisation to be better prepared for incidents and emergencies that may affect your business and using ACT in a box, which provides digital exercises to you prepare for a terrorist incident, within your premises or the surrounding area.
• Learn how your business can help keep people safe Advice For Businesses | Counter Terrorism Policing
• Report any suspicious activity if you’ve seen or heard anything that could be related to terrorism.

Remember: If you are faced with the threat of an incident follow these simple steps:

• Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then…
• Hide. It’s better to hide 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’s safe to do so…
• Tell the police by calling 999

Links to Further Information: 

• National Counter Terrorism Security Office
• National Cyber Security Centre 
• Transport Security Newsfeed 
• The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office provides travel advice for countries around the world, which includes information about the threat posed by terrorism. 

 If you are a school or education setting, there is specialist guidance and learning at ACT for Education.