Live reaction as UK tests first ever emergency alert to everyone's mobile phones

The first test of the UK's new armageddon-style emergency alert has been carried out. At just before 3pm, everyone with a compatible smartphone received a test alert, which is intended to warn the public about life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires.

People saw a message flash up on their phone as a notification, accompanied by a siren sound and a vibration. The message read: "This is a test if 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. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."

People in Wales also received the test in Welsh.

The alert stopped automatically after 10 seconds. The only action required is to swipe away the message or click 'OK', as you would for a 'low battery' notification. However there is a way to disable the alert if you wish to, which you can read more about here.