Mobile alerts system could eventually be used for terror and nuclear threats

It will initially be used for red-alert weather warnings.

The incoming mobile emergency alerts system could eventually be used to sound the alarm for terror attacks or dangerous criminals on the loose, the Government said (PA) (PA Archive)

The incoming mobile emergency alerts system could eventually be used to sound the alarm for terror attacks, nuclear threats and dangerous criminals on the loose, the Government has said.

It will initially be used to warn people about severe weather situations including floods and wildfires in their local area, but the alerts, which operate through smartphones, could later be used for other forms of emergencies.

Millions of mobile phones across the UK will emit a loud alarm and vibrate at 3pm on Sunday as a test run of the process.