What is Dirty War?

How prepared are we as a nation to deal with the growing threat of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorism?

DIRTY WAR Sunday, 26 September, 2004 2100 BST, BBC One

The BBC set out to ask this question in Dirty War, a drama that tells the story of a dirty bomb attack by terrorists on the City of London.

A dirty bomb is a conventional explosive device that contains radioactive material.

The principal aim of a device like this is to spread contamination. They have been called weapons of mass disruption.

Dirty War, produced by BBC Films, was extensively researched by BBC Current Affairs. It was developed in consultation with experts in the fields of emergency planning, counter-terrorism and the emergency services.

It aimed to provide a valuable public service by informing people about what to do in the event of such an attack, in addition to guidelines already provided by the government.

The film focused on the experiences of a fireman, two anti-terrorist officers, a minister, and the international terrorists; both before and after the attack.

The film was followed by a live question and answer programme on BBC One, where viewers got the chance to put their questions to a panel of experts.

Dirty War was broadcast on Sunday, 26 September, 2004 at 2100 BST on BBC One.