People across the east of England will hear a loud alarm on their phones today, as part of an emergency alert system being trialled by the government.

The system is being developed to keep people safe from events such as extreme weather incidents, including wildfires. 

The test alert - which will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April - will see people receive a message on the home screen of their mobile phone.

There will also be a sound and vibration for up to ten seconds. 

READ MORE: Six fire crews called to an emergency on the Norfolk coast

Similar alerts are already used in other countries, including the US and Japan, where it has been claimed that it has saved lives.

In the UK, alerts could be used to tell residents of extreme weather events like wildfires.

More than 800 fires were recorded on the hottest day last summer.

Eastern Daily Press: The event is being tested to help alert the public about extreme weather events such as wildfires.The event is being tested to help alert the public about extreme weather events such as wildfires. (Image: Archant)

Other events where the alert could be used include storms like Storm Eunice which caused damage in the region in February 2022. 

The sound and vibration will stop automatically after ten seconds.

The message can then be swiped away and phones can continue to be used as normal.

Chief Fire Officer at the National Fire Chiefs Council, Alex Woodman, said: "We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part"

"The new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this."