Northern Ireland

People able to call 999 after services, including those in NI, hit by technical fault

The UK-wide issue meant calls were not being connected
The UK-wide issue meant calls were not being connected The UK-wide issue meant calls were not being connected
By Suzanne McGonagle

People can once again call 999 in an emergency after services, including those in Northern Ireland, were hit by a technical fault.

The UK-wide issue meant calls were not being connected.

Problems with the service, which is managed by BT,  were first reported at around 8.30am on Sunday and people were told to call 101 in an emergency for police and fire, or 111 in a medical emergency.

Several police forces, including the PSNI, and fire and ambulance services said they were facing issues and said BT had reported a "system failure".

The PSNI said: "Our 999 emergency reporting system is currently experiencing some difficulties.

"Please report any incidents to 101 if you experience any difficulties getting through."

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they were among the emergency control centres throughout the UK informed of the issue by BT.

"BT has implemented its contingency systems and the service is now operational and NIAS is receiving 999 calls," he said.

"While the system returns to full functionality, NIAS would ask the public to use the 999 system appropriately. 

"Please call 999 for potentially life-threatening emergencies only and consider other alternatives for seeking medical assistance. 

"Do not hesitate to call 999 if you need emergency assistance." 

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) also advised members of the public about the technical issues impacting the 999 system.

"NIFRS is receiving 999 calls and advise the public in an emergency to continue to use the 999 service," a spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for BT said: "Early this morning (Sunday) 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."