THE general public on the Isle of Wight were unable to e the national 999 emergency services temporarily due to technical problems with BT.

The police, ambulance and fire services and the coastguard were all affected by the problem for less than an hour this morning (Sunday).

The problem was first announced on Twitter at 8.53am, with messages it had been resoved, posted at 9.24am.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson posted: "Following issues this morning with the national 999 system, we have been informed, after testing, the back-up 999 system is now operational and emergency calls can be taken.

"Please call 999 in an emergency."

The public uses the 999 service for those in need of immediate medical help; suspicion a crime is in progress, or that an offender is in the area; that there is a structure on fire; a serious incident at sea, or on the coastline; or any other serious incident.

Without it, lives and property are put at risk.

Alternative numbers suggested by the police and fire service were posted on social media as soon as they were made aware of the problem earlier this morning.

On Twitter, due to the seriousness of the problem, Inspector Matt Moss, the duty force incident manager, posted: "Our colleagues at BT are having significant systems issues."

Temporary Acting Chief Constable, Paul Bartolomeo, the constabulary's local policing lead, added: "This is a national issue with the 999 service, which we are working closely with BT to resolve ASAP.

"Call 101 if you need help. We will call non-urgent callers back if not an emergency."

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, also affected by the 999 fault, also posted on Twitter.

A spokesperson said: "Due to a technical fault the 999 call service is currently not working.

"Until further notice, in an emergency, please contact 101. For medical emergencies call 111." 

The Maritime and Coasguard Agency also said HM Coastguard had been working with BT and other emergency service partners to restore the 999-call system urgently, following reports of a national outage, affecting all emergency services.

They said: "Please continue to only call 999 for the coastguard in an emergency. If you are unable to contact the coastguard on 999, please call 101 (111 for medical emergencies)."

In non-emergency situations, please redirect your call to your local Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.