The government has announced plans for a new ‘Emergency Alerts’ service that will automatically text people when their lives are at risk.

The new text alert system will contact Brits in the vicinity of terror attacks, flooding and other natural disasters, as well as other life-threatening scenarios including fires.

It has been reported that the government will roll out a trial in Suffolk next week to test the technology.

The service builds on the text messaging system used throughout the pandemic, where Brits have received vaccination reminders and changes to lockdown rules.

Texts will give details about the nature of the emergency, as well as instructions on what to do.

"The Emergency Alerts service will be a vital tool in helping us to better respond to emergencies, both nationally and locally,” said paymaster general, Penny Mordaunt. “This new system builds on existing capability and will allow us to more quickly and effectively get life-saving messages to people across the UK."

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