WILTSHIRE Police has highlighted the unusually high levels of demand putting pressure on its control centre staff - but it's not the only force facing this problem.

Across the country, forces are under similar strain, comparable having to the amount of calls received on New Year's Eve every day.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for contact management and assistant chief constable Alan Todd, said: “We are consistently seeing demand on 999 as high as it would be on New Year's Eve and so we’re appealing for people to use the service responsibly.

“999 should only be called in a genuine emergency when you need immediate assistance and not simply because you cannot get through on non-emergency numbers.

"If you misuse the service you risk those in genuine need of urgent help waiting longer to get through.

“The demands and pressures on policing are now back to pre-Covid levels and with the warm weather and a summer of sport, that is only likely to increase so I would appeal to people to be responsible and look after themselves.

"Anyone with a genuine need for emergency assistance, where life or property is in immediate danger should always call 999, otherwise please get in touch with us either online at police.uk or by calling 101.”

National Fire Chiefs Council’s lead for operational communications, Darryl Keen, added: “Calls for assistance to fire and rescue services are currently in line with what we would expect and in the event of an incident we will respond and provide the help you need.

“However, demand placed on our other blue light colleagues impacts on the fire service’s ability to quickly reach them when a coordinated, multi agency response is needed.

“We ask that people ensure they use the 999 service appropriately, ensuring it is only for emergency situations and where there is risk to life so all emergency services can continue to provide you with the fast response you need.”