A technical fault is affecting Avon and Somerset Police’s 999 and 101 phone services, with neighbouring forces helping the force maintain its emergency response.

Police have urged people to call only in an emergency and to report non-emergency matters online while engineers work to restore the services.

In a statement this evening (Sunday) on Facebook, the force said: “This issue has not affected our ability to respond to emergencies as colleagues in neighbouring forces have been able to assist us.”

The announcement prompted concern and some confusion among people commenting on the post.

Anthony Smith described the statement as a “mixed message” and questioned whether the force could respond to 999 calls. Other commenters interpreted the announcement as reassurance that neighbouring forces were helping handle emergency calls.

One commenter, Matt Goble, reported trying 101 five times, saying the phone rang until it disconnected. Stella Marker wrote: “Did wonder why there was no answer.” Their experiences have not been independently verified.

The police statement did not identify the cause of the fault or give an estimated time for services to be restored.

The force said engineers were working to rectify the problem and promised a further update when call services were operational again.

In an emergency, continue to call 999. Non-emergency incidents should be reported through the online reporting link supplied by police.