Violence and crimes
If you or someone else is threatened with violence, or there is a serious crime that has just happened, or is happening now, you should call 999 and ask for the police. They will ask you about the situation and where you are. If necessary, they will send a police officer.
If the crime has already happened or an urgent response isn’t required, you should call 101.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, there are services that can support you. Sexual assault includes any sexual act which you were forced into or didn’t consent to. This may include penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth, groping or forced kissing. It may have been from someone you know, or your partner. Being in a relationship does not mean you have given your consent.
Sexual assault and rape are very serious crimes, but it is up to you whether you choose to report it to the police. You will still be able to get support and protection if you don’t choose to report it. People of all ages and genders can be at risk and you should not feel afraid to get help.
You may be feeling many strong emotions, or feel numb and confused. If there is someone you trust and are able to talk to, you might want to talk to them first. There are also free services you can talk to at any time.
You should get medical help as soon as possible, as you may now be at risk of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or have injuries. If you have serious injuries you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest accident and emergency.
You don’t need to decide if you want to report the crime immediately – but if possible, avoid washing or changing your clothes immediately after, as these may provide important forensic evidence if you do report it.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide free medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been sexually assaulted or raped. They can provide you with medical exams, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, emergency contraception, and refer you to mental health support.
If you choose to report the crime to the police, they can connect you with a specially trained police officer. They will explain what will happen next if you choose to do this.
There are many services to support you, even if it happened years ago. There are services who you can talk to and get free advice, or therapy.
You are allowed to use reasonable force to defend yourself, protect your property or prevent a crime. You may arrest someone yourself if they are committing a crime.
You are allowed to use reasonable force to protect yourself, and you don’t necessarily need to wait to be attacked before attacking.
Carrying weapons in the UK is illegal. This includes knifes, pepper spray and any item designed to cause injury to others.
If you believe you are in danger you should call 999 immediately and ask for the police. If the event has already passed, or you’re not in immediate danger, you should report them to the police by calling 101 or reporting it to a hate crime service.
You should not be afraid to talk to the police if you have been the victim of a crime. The police are there to uphold the law, and should never use violence against you or ask you for money or bribes.
If you or someone else needs immediate medical help for a life-threatening emergency you should call 999 or go to the nearest A&E hospital. When you call 999, you should first say ‘ambulance’. You will then be asked questions about the situation, where you are, and for a number they can call you on. If necessary, they will send a paramedic.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
If you have a problem that is not life-threatening, but needs urgent help, you should call 111 or go to your nearest urgent treatment centre or walk-in centre. These centres are usually only open in the day time. If you call 111, they will ask you about the situation, and tell you what you should do next.
If you or someone else needs urgent help due to a mental health issue, you can call an NHS helpline. You will be able to talk with a mental health professional who can give advice and support.
If they have tried to hurt themselves, or have attempted suicide, you should call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency hospital. If they are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling very anxious, and can speak English, there are free listening services such as Samaritans that can be called at any time, who will listen to you. They cannot offer advice or practical help.
You should call 999 and say ‘fire’. You will be connected to the fire services who will ask about the situation and where you are.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
If you’re involved in a vehicle accident that has caused damage or injuries, here is what you need to do.
The law says that you must stop as soon as it’s safe to do so, even if it seems like a small accident.
Turn off the engine, and then turn on your the car’s hazard lights to show other road users that they need to be careful
Check whether you or anyone involved in the accident are injured. If there’s a medical emergency, call 999.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
If the accident is blocking the road, dial 999 and ask for the police.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
Give your name and address to the other people who were involved. The law requires this, but you don’t have to give your phone number.
Ask for their name and address. If they won’t tell you, dial 101 on your phone to speak to the police.
If you have hit a parked car and the owner isn’t there, write your details on a piece of paper and slide this under the windscreen wipers so they can find it.
At this stage, it’s usually best not to admit that the accident was your fault. The police or insurance companies will decide that later.
If possible make a note of the following:
If there are other witnesses, you could ask for their contact details now.
You should report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you couldn’t exchange contact details with the other driver, or if anyone was injured. You can do this online, or at a police station.
If you want to make an insurance claim, contact the insurer as soon as you can. If there is very little damage, such as a small mark or scratch, you might not want to make an insurance claim.
The UK has rescue services that can help you if you are in trouble at sea or in mountain areas. Call 999 and ask for the coast guard or mountain rescue.
Dial 999 on a phone to speak to the emergency ambulance, police or fire services.
999 calls are free and you do not need credit on your phone.
Yes. If you can't speak English, try saying the word ‘help’ in your own language, or say the name of your language. Stay on the line and don't hang up. The operator will try to identify your language and connect you to an interpreter service.
If there is someone nearby who can speak English it may be best to try and show them what has happened and get them to call.
Call 999. After you have connected, press ‘55’ on your phone. You will be transferred to the police. They will ask you simple yes or no questions, which you can respond to by tapping number buttons on your phone.
If you're using the Relay UK app, type the 999 button. If you're using a textphone, call 18000. You'll then be connected to a Relay Assistant. Tell them which emergency service you need.
The emergencySMS service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, letting them send SMS messages to 999. You need to register with this service before you can use it.
You should open the windows and leave your house immediately. You should then call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999, who will send out a gas engineer.
No