Domestic abuse victims advised to turn off phones during UK emergency alert test

Refuge warns of risk to abuse survivors, many of whom keep secret second phones

People at risk of domestic abuse have been advised to turn off any mobile device they want to keep hidden next Sunday, as ministers prepare to launch the first nationwide test of a new emergency alert system.

The warning will cause people’s phones and tablets to produce a siren-like sound. But there are fears the test, which takes place at 3pm on Sunday, could give away the location of secret devices.