The Terrorism Act 2000 defines terrorism both in the UK and outside of it.

Terrorism is when someone threatens to, or does, one or more of these actions:

• serious violence against someone
• serious damage to property
• putting someone’s life at risk (other than the life of the person doing the action)
• creating a serious risk to the health or safety of the public (or a section of the public)
• action meant to seriously interfere with or disrupt an electronic system

These actions must be done with the aim to influence the government, an international governmental organisation, or to intimidate the public (or a section of the public).

It must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial, or ideological cause. Find out more about terrorist ideologies from MI5.

Terrorist action with firearms and explosives

If the action involves the use of firearms or explosives, it is terrorism.

This is regardless of whether or not the action is meant to influence the government, an international governmental organisation, or to intimidate the public.

Terrorism charges

To be convicted of a terrorism offence, a person does not actually have to commit a terrorist attack.

They can still be charged if they:

• plan an attack
• help carry out an attack
• collect information for an attack

If it’s an emergency

Call 999 now if:

• someone's in danger
• you need help now
• an incident is happening now or about to happen

Call 999 BSL if you use British Sign Language (BSL).

Do not go near the suspects or try to stop them. You may put yourself in danger.

If it’s not an emergency

If you’re not sure if something is an emergency, you can:

• call the counter-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321
• report it online to the Security Service (MI5) (phone: 0800 111 4645)
• report it online to Action Counters Terrorism on GOV.UK
• report information, pictures, or videos to the Home Office if they promote terrorism

If you suspect someone may be planning terrorism, report them. It could save lives.

Read Action Counters Terrorism’s guide for more information on what to look out for and consider reporting.

If you work in security or organise major events, read the Recognising Terrorist Threats guide by the National Protective Security Authority.

A firearm or weapons attack

Counter Terrorism Policing advises you to run, hide, and tell.
This means:

1. run if you can
2. hide if you’re not able to run
3. tell the police when it’s safe to do so (call 999)
4. tell other people about the threat so they know to stay away

Businesses should also have a plan to make sure disabled employees can get out safely.

For more advice you can watch a YouTube video on what to do in a weapons attack from the National Police Chiefs’ Council. You can also watch this video in British Sign Language.

If you see extra police in your area

We might send a team to your area as part of Project Servator. This is a strategy used by police across the UK to stop criminals, including terrorists.

Officers will work with your community to help people be more aware of suspicious activity and how to report it.

They’ll also gather information to remove dangerous people, weapons, and drugs from the area.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to approach and speak to our officers.

Learn more about Project Servator from Counter Terrorism Policing

Watch our YouTube video on our use of Project Servator for COP26

Terrorism threat levels show how likely a terrorist attack is in the UK. It explains why you might see security measures, such as airport security or bag searches at major events.

There are 5 threat levels. These are:

• low: an attack is highly unlikely
• moderate: an attack is possible, but not likely
• substantial: an attack is likely
• severe: an attack is highly likely
• critical: an attack is highly likely in the near future

Read MI5’s threat level guidance for more information and current threat levels and how they’re decided.