In the light of global terror attacks in indoor areas such as concert halls in Europe, the Emergency Unit of Hong Kong Island (EU HKI) conducted a joint counter-terrorism (CT) exercise codenamed "SKYVAULT" with the support of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at the City Hall in Central in the early hours of September 18. Also taking part in the exercise were the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU), Police Tactical Unit and Central District.

The exercise simulated seven armed terrorists entering the City Hall to attack the audience in a concert. Upon receiving a call, EU HKI arrived at the scene to subdue four of the terrorists in the lobby. Three other terrorists rushed into the concert hall and threatened about 60 people. Thus, CTRU officers got to the concert hall and instantly defeated two other terrorists. The remaining terrorist disappeared into the crowd. Officers searched and questioned the people concerned one by one to verify their identity, and finally located and arrested the last terrorist.

The exercise aimed to test and enhance the command and control ability of commanders of frontline units, develop frontline officers' professional skills in handling terrorist incidents and raise public alertness on counter terrorism via the media and Force social networking platform.

CT rules : "Run, Hide & Report"

The Force hoped to alert the public through the exercise about a rule of thumb - "Run, Hide and Report"- to cope with a terror attack. Members of the public are advised to run out of the attackers' line of sight and leave the scene via a safe route; they should refrain from taking photographs or videos of the incident. If it is not possible to run away from the venue, they are advised to hide and mute their mobile phones. The public is also advised to call 999 for assistance and give details about the scene and the assailant(s) when in a safe situation.