The government’s emergency alert test took people in Kent by surprise this afternoon – as it went off a minute early on some people’s phones.

People had been warned that the siren-like sound would go off at 3pm – but many residents are reporting it made them jump when it went off at 2.59pm.

Others reported not getting the alert at all – while some said they did not receive it until 3.20pm.

The alert went off as the government trialled a system that aims to warn members of the public if there is a danger to life nearby.

Officials from the Cabinet Office National Situation Centre sent out the alert to every 4G and 5G device across the UK.

Announcements and signage were posted on social media and put in place across the country’s transport network in the run-up to the test.

But it still shocked some KentOnline readers – particularly when it went off slightly early.

“I happened to be holding my phone and still jumped out of my skin...”

Becca Jayne said it woke her up from a nap while Kathy Fairweather commented: “It made me jump even though I was waiting for it!”

Madeleine Tagg said: “After mentioning it this morning I knew it would be coming but I happened to be holding my phone and still jumped out of my skin. Still I guess we all know what it sounds like now.”

Gillian Farmes added: “Mine went off at 2.59. Although I was expecting it, I still jumped!”

But many others say they didn’t receive the alert at all.

Stacey Maria Westcott quipped: “Me and hubby didn't get anything. Great when the apocalypse comes!”

The test message that arrived as part of the alert read: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit for gov.uk/alerts more information.

“This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”

The system, which is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires.

Emergency alerts will only be sent by the emergency services or government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.

The government says you will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work, and you do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.

The test does not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.