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A new app designed to keep residents and visitors in Cardiff safe in the event of a terror attack has been launched.

It has been designed to give people information and alert them to any major incidents in the city.

The app will work by sending push notifications directly to the phones of people who have signed up for the app.

It will also provide up-to-date information so that people can avoid the area of the city where the incident is taking place and if necessary, direct people to their nearest evacuation point.

The app can be downloaded by typing EVAC Cardiff into the Google Play Store for Android phones and the Apple App Store for iPhones.

It has been launched to coincide with the UEFA Champions League Finals which will see high numbers of visitors arriving in the city.

There will be 175,000 fans arriving in Cardiff on June 3 and unprecedented levels of security.

Gwilym Owen, from Cardiff council , said: "We do a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure that Cardiff is fully prepared for any emergency situation and potentially this app is a life-saver.

"It’s highly unlikely that any of us will ever be caught up in a major incident, but if the worst happens, being informed and prepared can significantly reduce the risk of harm to people and property.”

In addition to receiving alerts about incidents the app also provides links to maps, guidance and videos that will help you prepare for potential emergencies as well as information about useful locations in the city, the latest news from major local organisations and a location finder.

Since Cardiff was awarded the final there have been terror attacks across the world, including the attack in Manchester on Monday.

(Image: Wales Online)

Anyone using the city centre in the run up to the event will see a huge security operation.

Twenty five police officers are already working full-time on planning the event and that will soon rise to 50.

On the final day, 1,500 officers from all four Welsh forces and beyond will be working in Cardiff. The military have also helped in providing rooms for officers.

* The app has been created and developed over the last six months by Cardiff Council in partnership with South Wales Police, Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, British Transport Police, Cardiff Bus, Arriva Trains Wales, Network Rail, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Cardiff Business Safe.