HUNDREDS of callers were unable to get hold of the police because of a fault with its telephone system this week.

The problem hit people trying to contact Durham Constabulary’s control room on Thursday (October 2) on the non-emergency number, 101.

A spokesman for the force said that about 750 callers were unable to get through to the control room. He added: “We are in the process of ringing each one back individually to offer assistance where necessary”."

Anyone who dialled 999 was able to get through and receive a service.

Until the fault is resolved a back-up service has been initiated so that people can get through to the force on 101.

However, there is no pre-recorded voice message or a prompt about queuing.

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “I apologise for any distress or concern that this fault has caused.

“My staff are working hard to resolve this issue as soon as possible, and we would ask that anyone experiencing delays bears with us over the next couple of days until this fault is resolved. If the call is urgent dial 999.”