Exact time for UK-wide 'Armageddon' warning test confirmed with millions to hear loud alarm

The new UK-wide emergency alert system will be tested on Sunday April 23, with Britons due to receive test messages to warn of a danger to life nearby Millions of Britons will receive messages warning of nearby danger as part of a trial of emergency alerts (

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Millions of people across the UK will hear an audible alarm on their mobile phones when a new 'Armageddon' alert is tested in a few weeks.

The new UK-wide emergency alert system will be tested on Sunday April 23 at 3pm, with Britons receiving a message warning them of a danger to life nearby.

Messages will be sent to 4G and 5G mobile phones accompanied by a piercing sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.

People don't have to do anything when the alert occurs, they just need to swipe the message or click "OK" on their phone's home screen.

The test coincides with major events including the London Marathon and 2pm Premier League matches between Bournemouth and West Ham, and Newcastle and Tottenham.

Similar alerts are already used in countries such as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, to warn of dangers such as severe weather.

In the UK, alerts should be used during incidents such as forest fires or severe flooding.

Alex Woodman, fire chief and resilience manager at the National Council of Fire Chiefs, urged people to play their part in the test.

Writing in the mirror, Mr Woodman said: "For 10 seconds it can be awkward.

"But please forgive us for the intrusion, because the next time you hear it, your life and the lifesaving actions of firefighters may depend on it."

The system will be used very rarely; it is sent only in case of immediate risk to people's lives. It is therefore possible that people will not receive an alert for months or years.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: "Making this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolbox to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.

"It may be the sound that will save your life."

People who don't want to receive the alerts can turn them off in their device settings, but officials hope users will keep them...