21st April 2023. On Sunday 23rd April a UK-wide emergency alert system is being tested.

A message is set to appear on the home screens of mobile phones and tablets from 15:00 hrs, accompanied by a loud siren-like sound or vibration lasting for about 10 seconds.The test alert will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

“In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”

The government says the new system is a “vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies”.