Met Police getting record emergency calls hours after UK-wide problem with 999 service
Police, fire and ambulance services had earlier urged people to call 101 - but BT later said its back-up system had solved the issue.
Sunday 25 June 2023 16:22, UK
The Metropolitan Police says it is struggling to deal with record emergency calls - just hours after a "technical fault" hit the 999 service nationwide.
The UK's biggest police force warned the increase "could mean that we don't get to someone in danger in time".
The Met urged people with Android phones to prevent "pocket dials" by sliding off the SOS option in their safety and emergency menu.
It comes after police chiefs warned this week that an Android update had caused a surge in accidental 999 calls.
The feature means an emergency call can be made if the power button is pressed five times.
"If you do pocket dial 999 please answer any incoming calls to say you're ok as it's probably us ringing to make sure you're safe," added the Met.
Police also stressed that 999 should only be used in a real emergency, such as when there's a danger to life.
Earlier on Sunday, people across the UK were unable to get through on 999 as police, fire and ambulance services advised calling 101 and other numbers instead.
The Met, Police Scotland, South Wales Police and Greater Manchester Police were among many who tweeted about the problem.
However, those issues appear to have nearly all been resolved after BT said its back-up platform had been put online.
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A BT spokesperson said: "Early this morning, we experienced a problem with the 999 service.
"The situation is fast-moving as we fix the problem and our back-up platform is now working - so people should call 999 as usual. We will provide updates as the issue is resolved."
Police forces, ambulance and fire services put out updated social media posts late morning, with nearly all saying that the issue had been sorted out.
A government spokesperson said it was "aware of a technical issue with the 999 call system" and a "full investigation is under way to resolve this as quickly as possible".
"BT's back-up system for emergency calls is running," the spokesperson added.
"You should be able to connect when calling 999 or 112, but if you still have difficulties connecting you may contact 101 for police and fire and rescue services, or 111 for health."