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uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
someone threatens you with a weapon

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

At the earliest safe opportunity, move away from the person and towards a safer place without exposing yourself to greater danger. Call 999 as soon as it is safe, give your location, say that someone has a weapon, and follow the call handler’s instructions.

Do not do these things

  • Do not argue with, threaten, chase, or deliberately provoke the person.
  • Do not try to grab or disarm them.
  • Avoid sudden movements or unexpectedly reaching into pockets or bags while they are close.
  • Do not risk your safety solely to protect money, a phone, a vehicle, or other belongings.
  • Do not film, photograph, or livestream the incident.
  • Do not return for belongings while the person may still be nearby.
  • Do not approach, touch, or move a weapon left behind.

What to do now

  1. Look for a safe way to leave and put distance between you and the person. Move only when doing so is unlikely to expose you to greater danger.
  2. If you cannot leave safely, move out of sight or behind substantial cover where possible. Lock or barricade a door if you can do so without moving towards the threat.
  3. Call 999 as soon as it is safe. Give your location first, then explain what is happening and say that a weapon is involved.
  4. Tell the call handler where the person is or was last seen, which direction they moved, what they look like, what the weapon looks like, and whether anyone is injured. Give only information you know.
  5. If you call 999 from a mobile and cannot speak, listen carefully. Press 55 or tap when prompted so the call can be transferred to the police. Whisper, cough, or tap keys if the operator asks you to respond that way.
  6. Warn nearby people or stop them entering the area only when this can be done without drawing attention to you or increasing the danger.
  7. Once away from the threat, remain in a safer place and follow emergency-service instructions. Tell the police where any abandoned weapon is, but do not approach it.
  8. Tell the 999 operator if you or anyone else may be injured, is bleeding heavily, is having difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or needs an ambulance. Follow any first-aid instructions they give.

What can wait

You do not need to recover belongings, remember every detail, contact everyone you know, post online, make a full statement, or decide what should happen next before you are safe. Those tasks can wait until the immediate danger has ended and you have support.

Important reassurance

You do not need to judge yourself for freezing, complying, handing over property, or reacting differently from how you expected. Your immediate priority is reaching safety, not responding perfectly.

Scope note

This guide covers the first actions during and immediately after a weapon threat. Later reporting, healthcare, safety arrangements, and legal decisions may require help from the police, healthcare professionals, victim-support services, or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, medical, or professional security advice. Circumstances differ, so follow instructions from emergency services whenever possible.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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