SUPERINTENDENT Adam Thomson has advised the people of York to 'Run... Hide... Tell' in the event of a terrorist attack.

Following recent incidents in Manchester and London, Supt Thomson - North Yorkshire Police's neighbourhood policing commander for York and Selby - paid tribute to those who died, and highlighted the best advice for those caught up in incidents involving firearms or weapons.

He said: "Believe me, the last thing I want to do is make you too frightened to leave your home. On the contrary, I want you to be able to go about your daily life with a feeling of confidence that you and your loved ones are safe and protected from harm.

"However, following the devastating reality of what happened recently in Manchester and London, it would be seriously remiss of me not to confront the terrorist attack risk in our country. More so, I feel it would be a dereliction of duty not to use this opportunity to outline the very best advice from National Counter Terrorism Policing if you find yourself in such a terrible and frightening situation."

York Press:

The advice is to RUN to a place of safety instead of surrendering or negotiating, HIDE and turn your phone on silent or vibrate, barricading yourself in if possible, then TELL police by phoning 999.

Supt Thomson said the advice was proven to save lives, and formed from the testimony of people who have survived terrorist attacks.

He said: "While the chances of you being confronted by these extreme circumstances are extremely remote, the national terror threat remains at ‘severe’.

"This means that such an attack is likely, although please be assured that the police and security services are countering such threats on a daily basis. Nevertheless, as we have witnessed recently, it is impossible to stop every single attack. It is therefore vitally important that you and yours know what to do if an incident occurs locally, nationally or while travelling overseas."

Suspicious behaviour or activity can be reported anonymously to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321, or on 999 in an emergency.

Supt Thomson said: "Finally, I want to express my deepest sympathy and support to those affected by the incidents in Manchester and London, as well as praise the outstanding efforts of the emergency services in the face of such deliberate carnage.

"It was the touching and defiant response of both Manchester and London, backed by the whole country and echoed from people all around the world, that gives us most hope in defeating terrorism. Sure, we may have to be more cautious and vigilant, but always remember that our togetherness will always be stronger than their wicked motives and actions."