How is terrorism assessed?
Terrorism is assessed by threat levels which are designed to give an indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
What the threat levels mean:
- low means an attack is unlikely
- moderate means an attack is possible, but not likely
- substantial means an attack is a strong possibility
- severe means an attack is highly likely
- critical means an attack is expected imminently.
A terrorist attack could occur anywhere using a variety of means and at any time. The terrorist strategy is to generate fear and prevent or disrupt us from going about our ordinary lives and business. In reality attacks are rare, but well-reported in the media.
Who sets the threat levels?
The level for international terrorism is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre.
Threat levels don't have an expiry date. They can change at any time as different information becomes available to security agents.
Visit the MI5 website to check the current UK threat level.
How to report terrorism?
If it's an emergency and you are in immediate danger call 999.
You can report it confidentially online to:
- Visit the West Midlands Police website for more information on using their confidential online tool
- Visit the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website to use the government online tool
- call the confidential Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Stay safe videos
These videos provide key options for staying safe when the worst happens.
Run, Hide, Tell
A video from National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), explaining Run, Hide, Tell - firearms and weapons attack:
Last updated: 20/11/2024 14:25
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