British holidaymakers warned of terror threat

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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.

Tourists and Tunisians take part in a ceremony on July 3, 2015, in memory of those killed the previous week by a jihadist gunman in front of the Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel in Port el Kantaoui, on the outskirts of Sousse south of the capital Tunis. Tunisia has arrested eight people in connection with last week's jihadist massacre at the seaside resort, as the remains of more slain Britons were flown home on July 2
Image: Thirty Britons were among 38 people killed in the Sousse attack

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.

British holidaymakers have been told to be on alert for terror attacks overseas. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing
Image: The safety video depicts a terror attack at a hotel. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing

“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.”

British holidaymakers have been told to be on alert for terror attacks overseas. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing
Image: The video urges people to ‘run, hide, tell’. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing

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.

British holidaymakers have been told to be on alert for terror attacks overseas. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing
Image: Police insist there is no specific threat against Britons. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing

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.

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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.”

From – SkyNews

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