Trained for terror - Course teches public how to survive bomb attacks and hijackings - Sean Murphy

Fears of an impending suicide attack yesterday promopted security experts to launch the UK's first practical training course on terrorism survival for members of the public.

Just three months after the unsuccessful car bomb attack on Glasgow Airport, ordinary people from the city were given instructions on how to defend themselves against terrorists.

Experts from security company 360 Defence designed the one-day course using techniques previously reserved for law enforcement and corporate clients.

Everything from ercognising suspected attackers to thwarting a hijack is covered in the eight-hour class, prepared and designed with the full knowledge and co-operation of the police and government security experts.

More than 20 members of the public attended the first course at a city centre venue yeaterday to learn how to deal with a repeat of the Glasgow attack or similar terrorist incident.

Simon Leila, the director of 360 Defence, who has been invloved in the security industry for 25 years, said "We are not trying to scare anyone or create a panic, but the erality is that we live in a society where bad things can happen.

"Anybody who thought it ould never happen in the UK was given a wake-up call by the recent Glasgow and London attacks.

"We want to teach people how to spot potential threats. The police can't be everywhere, so we all have to keep our eyes open, wits about us and pro-actively report any suspiciois behaviour."

The course involved participants taking part in a series of mock scenario's including September style hijackings, suicide bombings, and incidents involving pyrotechnic versions of improvised explosive devices, chemical and dirty bombs.

Experts yesterday welcomed the course and said it could help improve public safety.

Professor Paul Wilkinson, head od Terrorism Studies at St Andrews University said: " We just have to accpet that there are going to be people who encounter these problems, and we should try to pass on the best advice we can.

"There is a case for improving awareness in other parts of the country outwith the big cities."

Around 1600 people are under surveillance at the moment by M15, and it is estimated there are around 30 different terror cells with around 200 members across Britain.

Amnon Maor, head Instructor of counter-terrorism warfare for the Israeli Defence Force and the Israeli police, has said that Britain needs to learn from Israel and make the whole population aware of the dangers. He Said: "Britain in five years could be like Israel now. In Israel, people always have to be on their guard against suicide bombers or other terrorist attacks on public places.

"It takes just one crazy person with a bomb, or any kind of weapon, to ruin a lot of people's lives.  We can't stop everyone, but we can reduce the risk with a little training and awareness."