British holidaymakers urged to be on alert for terror attacks abroad over summer
British holidaymakers have been urged to be on alert for terror attacks overseas as millions prepare for summer breaks abroad.
Counter-terror chiefs have issued a fresh appeal calling for people to watch a safety video depicting a firearms attack unfolding to ensure they know how to react.
The four-minute video was created in the wake of the deadly Sousse attack in Tunisia in 2015, in which 30 Britons were among 38 victims killed when a gunman opened fire at a beach resort.
Tour operator Thomas Cook began taking British tourists back to Tunisia in February this year for the first time since the massacre.
Following the atrocity, there are now 46 British counter-terrorism police liaison officers based overseas, compared with 23 two years ago.
However, police emphasised there is no specific information that Britons will be targeted while abroad this summer.
Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth said: "The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are still low but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad, especially last year.
"So it is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.
"We want people to think of this in the same way they do the safety film airlines show before take-off.
"They don't expect anything bad to happen but it is a sensible safety precaution to show people what to do."
The video's "run, hide, tell" guidance says people should run to a place of safety if there is a safe route, leaving belongings behind and insisting others go with them, without allowing someone else's indecision to slow their escape.
Running is a better option than trying to surrender or negotiate.
If there is nowhere to go, the next best step is to hide, barricading in if possible. Phones should be switched to silent with vibrate turned off.
Authorities should be alerted only when it is safe by calling the local emergency number, which holidaymakers should find out in advance. For EU countries it is 112.
Security minister Ben Wallace said: "Fortunately the majority of us will never experience a terrorist attack whilst enjoying a holiday abroad and there is no need to be alarmed.
"However, it is important that we all remain vigilant to the threat."
