IT DOESN’T seem possible that York could ever suffer a terror attack. Who on Earth would want to plant a bomb here?

But then, the possibility of a terrorist attack would have been the last thing on the minds of those gathering outside the Finsbury Park mosque in the early hours of yesterday, walking across London Bridge on June 3, or leaving a concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22.

Most of us simply cannot understand the sort of twisted hate or perverted religious fanaticism that could lead someone to want to kill innocent people.

But the sad reality is that, including the Westminster attack in March, the UK has now suffered four terror attacks in just three months. That’s why North Yorkshire Police have taken the step of issuing advice on what to do in the event of such an attack. Not because they think an attack here is likely: but because they think we should all be prepared.

The advice is simple enough: it is to ‘run... hide... tell’. But it has been drawn up by National Counter Terrorism Police using the testimony of those who have survived such attacks. And it is designed to maximise your chances of survival.

So if you do get caught up in an attack, don’t try to surrender or negotiate with the terrorists - just run, until you reach somewhere safe. Once there hide, and if possible barricade yourself in. Turn your phone to silent. And then, and only then, call 999.

It is horrible that we should have reached such a state that the police feel the need to issue this kind of advice. We very much hope it is advice you never have to follow. But we agree with the police that people do need to know what to do, just in case. So take note of the advice, then store it away in the back of your mind and get on with your everyday lives...