999 calls down - what people should do in an emergency

Emergency services are urging people to call 101 in an emergency until further notice.

The alert was shared by Greater Manchester Police which added that those with a non-emergency query are being urged to go online or wait.

BT have advised a number of forces that they are experiencing issues with their 999 lines that may affect connection to an emergency service. If your call is an emergency, please persevere with waiting for them to connect you. Non-emergency contact can be made online.

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 25, 2023

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "BT have advised a number of forces that they are experiencing issues with their 999 lines that may affect connection to an emergency service. If your call is an emergency, please persevere with waiting for them to connect you. Non-emergency contact can be made online."

BT have reported a system failure in diverting 999 calls to all emergency services.

If you need to get hold of us in a serious or life-threatening emergency and can't get through on 999 please call 111 for medical emergencies.

We will keep you updated!

— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) June 25, 2023

A North West Ambulance spokesman said: "BT have reported a system failure in diverting 999 calls to all emergency services.

"If you need to get hold of us in a serious or life-threatening emergency and can't get through on 999 please call 111 for medical emergencies.

"We will keep you updated!"

This has now changed

❗ BT are experiencing issues with 999 calls across the UK that may affect your connection to emergency services.

📞 If you require the emergency services, please call 999 as usual.

We also ask that you use the number appropriately - in a genuine emergency. https://t.co/IUn0QHjkEy

— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) June 25, 2023