999 calls hit by ‘technical problems’

EXTRA police patrolled the streets of Oldham after technical problems affected emergency calls to police.

Greater Manchester Police experienced technical hitch with its telephone system — including non-emergency calls — shortly after 6pm on Friday.

Emergency calls were transferred to surrounding police forces.

By Saturday morning, 999 calls were being dealt with by GMP staff but problems still affected non-emergency calls.

Residents were asked to call 999 only in cases of emergency, and consider calling police on Sunday about non-emergency matters.

Supt. Karan Lee, of GMP’s operation communications branch, said they had been working with BT to rectify the problem

She said officers worked hard to ensure it did not have an impact on frontline policing, and more officers were deployed out on the streets while the problem was dealt with.