PanicStation.org
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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone is coming to my location • person is on their way to confront me • credible warning someone will show up • threatened at home right now • threatened at work right now • someone coming to my house • someone coming to my workplace • hostile person may arrive • confrontation at the door • someone waiting outside for me • threatened by an ex turning up • threatened by a neighbour turning up • angry person heading to me • intimidation someone coming over • fear of violence from visitor • someone may force entry • worried they know my address • warning they are nearby • imminent confrontation warning

What to do if…
you receive a credible warning that someone may come to confront you at your location

Short answer

Get to a safer position and involve other people (security, neighbours, staff). If you feel at risk of harm or they may be arriving imminently, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go outside, open the door, or “meet them” to calm things down.
  • Do not get drawn into arguing by text/call while you’re trying to stay safe.
  • Do not stand at windows or doorways “to see if it’s them”.
  • Do not broadcast your location, movements, or plans (including in group chats or social media).
  • Do not stay isolated if you can safely avoid it.

What to do now

  1. Move to the safest available place (tens of seconds).

    • If you can leave safely, go to a staffed, public place nearby (shop, reception area, lobby) or a trusted neighbour/friend.
    • If leaving could increase risk, stay inside, move away from doors/ground-floor windows, and choose a spot with a solid barrier between you and the entrance.

  2. Secure access points without putting yourself in danger.

    • Lock doors and accessible windows.
    • If you’re in a shared building, avoid going into hallways/communal entrances to investigate.

  3. Bring in on-site help immediately.

    • Workplace/venue: tell reception/security/manager: “I’ve had a credible warning someone may come to confront me. Please don’t let anyone in to see me, and call police if they attempt to force contact.”
    • Home: message or call a trusted neighbour/friend to stay on the phone with you or come over (only if it’s safe for them to do so).

  4. Decide which police number fits the risk right now.

    • Call 999 if there is immediate danger, threats of violence, someone trying to get in, or you believe they are arriving imminently and you feel unsafe.
    • Call 101 (or report online) if it’s serious but not immediate, so there’s a record and you can get advice.

  5. Prepare the essentials for a quick, clear call (write it down).

    • Exact address/location (floor, entry instructions), your phone number, who may arrive, and any description/vehicle details you have.
    • What you want to happen: e.g., “I need officers to attend / I need advice / I need this logged.”

  6. If you cannot speak safely on a 999 call, use the Silent Solution.

    • Dial 999. If you can, respond to questions by coughing/tapping.
    • If prompted, press 55 on a mobile to indicate it’s a genuine emergency and be connected to police.
    • If you can safely do so, still try to provide your location in any way you can.

  7. Make it harder to be intercepted.

    • Don’t go to predictable exit points (front door, car park) unless you’re leaving safely with a clear destination.
    • Pause non-essential location sharing and avoid live updates in messaging apps for now.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to make a formal statement, pursue charges, or take legal action.
  • You do not need to explain the full history to multiple people—focus only on what helps keep you safe in the next hour.
  • You do not need to respond to further messages from the person or anyone relaying messages, unless it helps immediate safety.

Important reassurance

A credible warning can trigger a strong stress response (shaking, racing thoughts, nausea, feeling “stuck”). That doesn’t mean you’re overreacting—it means your body is trying to protect you. The safest approach is to increase distance, reduce access, and get support involved.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the next minutes to hours. After you’re safe, you may want follow-up support and planning with appropriate services.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of safety. If you think harm is possible or imminent, prioritise immediate safety and contact emergency services.

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