How to survive a drone attack: As fears grow that WWIII could reach Britain, scientists reveal the safest place to take shelter during an air strike

As the conflict in Iran spreads throughout the Middle East, fears are growing that the world may soon spiral into a WWIII.

Sir Keir Starmer has tried to keep the UK out of the fight, but recent strikes on an RAF base in Cyprus suggest this may not be possible if the war continues to escalate.

Although the chances of a direct attack on British soil remain low, experts have warned that Iran's fleet of Shahed drones could strike without warning.

Now, scientists have revealed the best way to stay safe if a drone attack were to pummel the UK.

Each of Iran's Shahed drones carries a 90kg high–explosive payload, which is enough to collapse a building with a direct hit.

That means the best place to take shelter during an air raid on British soil will be underground.

For London residents, who may find themselves at the epicentre of a potential attack, the London Underground will offer the best protection – especially at deeper stations like Hampstead Heath.

However, if you can't make it to an underground shelter, the best thing to do is to remain indoors and prepare for the blast.

Iran's Shahed drones have a range of 1,500 miles (2,400 km), which places Britain outside the range of a direct attack from Iran.

However, security experts have warned that a 'shadow fleet' of ships in the North Sea could bypass Britain's patchwork radar defences and send drones raining down across the UK.

Professor Anthony Glees, a security and intelligence expert from the University of Buckingham, told the Daily Mail: 'Hostile drone–bearing and firing craft could approach the UK from the Channel and North Sea.

'Russia is also an increasingly grave peril from the frozen North. The sites there will be the oil industry in Aberdeen and our nuclear submarine facilities on the Clyde and Holy Loch. RAF Lossiemouth is another prime target.'

Launching at speeds of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) from ships just off the coast, deadly suicide drones could strike deep before Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire have time to respond.

Dr Geert de Cubber, head of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Unit and the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, told the Daily Mail that these would most likely target 'critical infrastructure, such as electricity installations and desalination installations, military installations, and command infrastructures.'

However, as recent conflicts have amply demonstrated, civilian infrastructure can and will be hit by direct and indirect drone attacks.

That means simply being away from a power plant or military base isn't enough to ensure you are safe, especially if you live in a densely populated urban area.

In the case of a drone attack, if you cannot get to an underground shelter, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says the best thing to do is get inside as fast as possible.

The WHO advises: 'If you are outside, head for the nearest building. If you cannot find an underground shelter, take shelter in the lowest part of a building.'

In addition to avoiding likely drone targets, Dr de Cubber adds that people should try to stay as far away from windows as possible.

'Glass can shatter even if you’re far away from explosions and can cause serious harm,' he explains.

It is also important not to lean up against any walls, because these can transfer a violent percussion or earth shock that could lead to injury. 

Although it might be tempting to hide in a windowless corridor, research suggests that this could be a very bad idea.

Researchers from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus found that both windows and corridors can actually channel high–speed winds triggered by the explosion.

In modelling of nuclear blasts, the researchers found that supersonic shockwaves expanded as they pushed through windows, creating winds that can lift and throw people.

Dangerous indoor locations to avoid are the windows, doors and corridors, although if there's not enough time, hiding in the corner of a corridor might be safer than being in the middle of the corridor.

Ultimately, the best option is to hide in the corner of a room, away from any openings such as a window or door, where air speed is higher.

If possible, you should take the time to identify the safest room in your house, which should have thick, concrete walls and as few windows as possible.

The WHO suggests that bathrooms are often a good place to shelter since they usually have the fewest windows.

Additionally, you may need to prepare to shelter in place for an extended time, so you can ensure a drinking supply by filling up the bath and sink with water.

If there is time, the WHO suggests you can further improve the safety of your makeshift shelter using mattresses, tables, or even piles of books.

When the explosion comes, cover your skin with something non–flammable, such as a fire blanket or flame–retardant duvet.

If something suitable is not available, the WHO says that 'even a coat, jacket, or a newspaper may be able to protect your skin from a serious burn.'

It is also extremely important to keep your eyes shut to avoid being blinded and to leave your mouth slightly open to protect your lungs from the pressure of the blast.

However, the best way to avoid the threat of a drone strike is to be far away from anything they might target.

Professor Glees, for example, suggests that the best places to shelter would be 'the Scottish Highlands, the Cotswolds, and the Welsh Mountains.'