Security expert reveals how to escape if a terrorist attacks in a public place

LAST night at least 22 adults and children were killed and a further 59 were injured by a suicide bomber at a packed Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Thousands of adults, teenagers and children screamed and fled in panic as a terrorist detonated a huge bomb – thought to be packed with nails and bolts at the Manchester Arena.

It is the worst terror attack to hit the UK since 7/7, but sadly just one in a long list of incidents that have taken place across the world in busy public places over the last few years.

Usually, members of the public are urged to carry on with their everyday business so as not to let the terrorists win, but it is still important to know what to do if a terror incident happens.

Here, we share advice on what to do if you find yourself at the scene of an attack…

IN A SHOOTING ATTACK

If you can, get out quickly 

Earlier this year, Sun Online spoke to Randy Spivey, Founder of the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, which runs courses on Travel Safety, Security and Kidnap Survival.

He said: “If the terrorist is carrying a gun it’ll be over pretty quickly, so try and get outside fast.

“Run outside and get to a sheltered location or if you are in a high rise building, your best option might be to run upstairs, to try and get to the roof.

“Just get as far away from the situation as you can.

“Do it fast and trust your instinct.”

If you can’t get out, hide out 

Randy said: “If you can’t get out because violence is happening between you and the exit, then hide in a place where you barricade yourself in.

“Get to somewhere like a bathroom or office closet, then block and lock the door and make it difficult to get inside.”

If all else fails, take out 

Randy said: “The third option, if you are in a close confined area with no other choices, is to take out the person with a gun.

“At the shooting in an Orlando nightclub last year, there was just one guy walking around in a close confined area, shooting a lot of people.

“In a close confined area, if you have five or six people on your side then try to come up behind that person with the gun, get them to the floor and control their hands.

“The odds are in favour of the group if they act together, but they have to get that mental capacity to act together.”

IN A BOMB ATTACK

The advice for surviving a bomb attack is slightly different to an active shooter, as many of the dangers will arise from the aftermath of the bomb.

Leave the area ASAP

According to the US government’s Homeland Security, every person should leave the area where the bomb detonated as soon as possible, helping those less able to get out too.

Once outside, stay away from crowds, as well as unattended trucks and cars, in case of a second explosive attack.

Also, stay away from damaged buildings in case of falling glass and bricks.

If you can’t leave the area

If the exits are blocked, it is important to protect yourself from falling debris by taking cover under a table or some other form of shelter.

Avoid gas lines, kitchens or any other fire hazards and do not take any lifts.

TELL THE POLICE 

As soon as you get to a relatively safe place, call 999.

Advice on the UK government’s website says that you should make the call even if you can’t speak of make a noise as you can listen to instruction from the call taker.

The most important information for the emergency services are the following:

Location – Where are the suspects?

Direction – Where did you last see the suspects?

Descriptions – Describe the attacker or attackers, their features, clothing, weapons etc.

Further information – Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages etc.