Paris attack: Government updates guidance for how to respond to a Paris-style terrorist attack in the UK
The government has updated to its guidance for how people should respond to a terrorist attack in the UK, urging possible victims to run rather than hide or play dead.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) are advising people caught up in a "fast moving incident" involving firearms or other weapons that they should run from the scene.
The "Stay Safe" guidance says you should "escape if you can", taking the safest route possible "without exposing yourself to greater danger". The advice also states that you should "insist others leave with you" and leave your personal belongings behind.
Only if there is no alternative should people consider hiding, and then only behind "substantial brickwork/heavy reinforced walls".
"Cover from view does not mean you are safe," the advice adds. "Bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal."
The advice is at odds with the reports that numerous eyewitnesses gave of how they played dead during last week's attacks on Paris, in which 129 people died.
The third part of the guidance is "tell" – call 999 with key facts including location, direction the attackers were heading, descriptions of the attackers and details of any injuries, hostages or fatalities.
The updated guidance also urges businesses to develop "dynamic lockdown procedures" to help them deal with any potential threats, which includes regular staff training.
"Advance planning of what needs to be done to lock down a site and recognising the need for flexibility in those plans will save lives."