999 calls are ‘not connecting’ due to a ‘technical fault impacting a number of forcs’, according to several police forces, who told Britons to call 101 instead and ‘wait until later’ for non-emergency calls.

Met Police was the first to post on Twitter at 8.20am: ‘Due to a technical fault that is impacting a number of police forces, many 999 calls are not connecting.

‘Until further notice, please call 101 in an emergency. Please ONLY call in an emergency and please wait until later to make any 101 non-emergency calls.’

This is a national issue and other police forces have issued warnings.

West Yorkshire Police tweeted: ‘BT are experiencing issues all over the country with 999 lines – if you are trying to reach the Police and can not get through, please call 101 – for Medical help, it’s 111. 

Met Police posted on Twitter : ‘Due to a technical fault that is impacting a number of police forces, many 999 calls are not connecting’ (file image)

‘BT are trying to rectify these issues as soon as possible.’

Leceistershire said: ‘999 is suffering a technical fault NATIONALLY. You may be presented with the engaged tone. 

‘Please contact Leicestershire Police in an emergency via 101, however these will still present to us as a NON-emergency and will be assessed on a call-to-call basis.’ 

Wiltshire Police said: ‘BT have reported a system failure in diverting 999 calls. If you need to get hold of us & can’t get through on 999 please call 101. 

‘We’re assured that they’re working to get this fault resolved as soon as possible. We will update you as soon as we can.’

Greater Manchester Police said BT had advised ‘a number of forces’ about the issues with the 999 line and added: ‘If your call is an emergency, please persevere with waiting for them to connect you.’

Warwickshire Police urged people to only call if it is an emergency to ‘keep their phonelines clear’. 

South Wales Police, Cleveland Police, Derbyshire Police, Cumbria Police, Suffolk Police, South Yorkshire Police, Bedfordshire Police, Norfolk Police, Kent Police, Essex Police, Lincolnshire Police, West Mercia Police, North Yorkshire Police, West Midlands Police, Hertfordshire Police, Hampshire Police, Northamptonshire Police, Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary echoed the warnings about the ‘technical fault’.

The London Ambulance Service also warned people on Twitter. 

At 9.08am, Wiltshire Police posted that BT had restored the 999 line and asked people to ‘please call the usual number in emergencies’ as well as thanking people for their patience. 

MailOnline has contacted BT for comment.