UK sporting events are set to be interrupted on Sunday afternoon as the Government carries out its emergency alert test, which will see phones emit a loud siren sound across the country.

The test will be conducted at 3pm, with around 87m phones set to play the siren sound. It will be the first time the test has been carried out since April 2023.

The alert has been sounded out on five occasions in the past, including during Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as a way of delivering vital information during emergencies.

It will involve a very loud alert being played on phones, which has led to discussion of how some events could be disrupted or delayed on Sunday as a result.

Mirror Sport has broken down which sporting events will be affected by the emergency alert test and how it will work.

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The nationwide test is carried out to see how such an alert would function during a time of crisis or when lives were at stake, such as during a flood or a storm.

Anyone connected to a 4G or 5G network in the UK will receive the alert. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, said the test would be vital in the aim of saving as many lives as possible in a real emergency.

"On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most," he said.

"It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.

“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant. We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.”

A loud siren sound will play on each phone connected to the network in the UK, lasting for around ten seconds. It will even play on phones that are set to vibrate or silent.

UK citizens will be informed in the alert that it is only a test and there is no need for concern or immediate action. However, the alert will not sound if your phone is on airplane mode or switched off.

If your phone is disconnected from the network and you switch it back on, you might still receive the alert shortly after. The alert works by broadcasting from phone masts in a specific area, which is then transmitted to every phone in that radius.

That means that even if you're a tourist in the country or have non-UK phone number, you will still get the alert on your phone.

England's white-ball cricket team are set to play an ODI against South Africa from 11am on Sunday, with the third game of the series taking place at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

With the game set to be interrupted by the alert, organisers are set to halt the action at 3pm to make sure players are not distracted by the alert sound.

The ECB said in a statement: "Plans are in place to ensure fans attending Utilita Bowl on Sunday are aware of the national test of the emergency alerts system, which is due to take place during the third England Men’s Metro Bank ODI vs South Africa.

"We will work with match officials ahead of the game, and take appropriate action depending on the state of the game. Fans will be kept updated with in-stadia announcements as the game progresses."

There will also be a delay to the Rugby Super League derby clash between Hull KR and Hull FC, which was initially slated to take place at 3pm. It will now start at 3.05pm to avoid the alert.

Another derby clash is set to start at 3pm in Scotland as Celtic Women and Rangers Women prepare for their Old Firm game. That will also be pushed back to 3.05pm.

The Great North Run is also taking place on Sunday afternoon, but it is expected most runners should be finished before the sirens are sounded.