No lecture – just sound advice for students

Counter Terrorism Policing is calling on students to remember three words that could save their life.

Those starting or returning to university and college this month and are being urged to read Run, Hide, Tell advice, which explains what to do in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.

University and college security managers are encouraged to support this advice. A toolkit is available by contacting your local CTSA.

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.

The UK’s Senior National Coordinator for Protective Security, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, says:

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 and we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone it is really important to stay alert. 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.

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 gives you cause for concern, trust your instincts and ACT. Students should contact college or university security staff or report online here.

In an emergency always call 999.