A new nationwide emergency alerts system is now live and will be tested this coming Sunday (23 April).

The government platform will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger.

The systems – similar to ones used in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan – will be used to warn people of serious risks such as flooding and wildfires.

UK Emergency Alerts System will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April when alerts will appear on the home screens of people's phones, accompanied by a loud warning sound and vibration.

Emergency alerts will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones within an area of risk.

They won't track users' locations or collect personal data and only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This is an important tool that I have no doubt will save people's lives in the future.

"Next Sunday's test is a necessary measure to ensure the system works as intended and I am grateful to everyone involved in its delivery."

To read frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Emergency Alerts system, please click here.

Residents can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to do this, click here

You can also visit the government website for the latest information.