Counter Terrorism and Prevention
Current Threat Level
The current UK threat level from international terrorism is published by MI5 and can be viewed on the MI5 website.
What You Can Do to Help
The police and intelligence agencies rely on information from the public. You can help keep your community safe by reporting anything suspicious.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.
Report Suspicious Activity
- Call the Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321
- Email: concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
- In an emergency: Call 999
Visit the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website to learn what to report and how.
Reporting Online Extremist Content
You can report illegal or harmful online material anonymously via the Home Office website.
This includes:
- Content promoting terrorism or violence
- Extremist propaganda
- Videos of terrorist attacks
- Websites created by extremist groups
Prevent Strategy
Prevent is part of the UK’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people from being drawn into terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies.
The Four Ps of CONTEST
- Prevent – Stop people becoming terrorists or supporting extremism
- Pursue – Stop terrorist attacks
- Protect – Strengthen protection against attacks
- Prepare – Mitigate the impact of attacks
Prevent Objectives
- Challenge extremist ideologies
- Support vulnerable individuals
- Engage sectors at risk of radicalisation (e.g. education, health, faith, charities, prisons)
Lancaster City Council works with Lancashire Police and other partners to deliver Prevent locally.
Make a Prevent referral
To make a referral to the Counter-terrorism Policing team you can download the National Prevent referral form. You must send the completed form to concern@lancashire.police.uk.
Any information, advice or concern will be handled with sensitivity and where possible anonymity will be maintained.
Support and Referrals
If you're concerned someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation:
- Call the Prevent Advice Line: 0800 011 3764
- Visit: ACT Early for advice and resources
Local Authority Prevent team
Call 01254 585 260
Email Prevent.Team@Blackburn.gov.uk
Referrals may lead to support via Channel, a voluntary and confidential programme offering tailored help such as:
- Mentoring
- Mental health support
- Education and career guidance
Participation in Channel does not affect criminal records or future prospects.
Resources for Schools and Families
- Childnet: Trust Me – Digital literacy resources for schools
- NSPCC NetAware – Guides to social media platforms
- Digital Parenting Magazine – Practical advice for families
- Crossing the Line Toolkit – PSHE resources for ages 11–14
Further Information
- Email: communitysafety@lancaster.gov.uk
- ACT Campaign: act.campaign.gov.uk
- Follow ACT on social media: Twitter, Facebook
Last updated: 14 August 2026