THE misuse of the 999 emergency number can put lives at risk.

Ahead of New Year’s Eve, which is one of the busiest times of the year for call handlers, Cheshire Police control call centre supervisor Julie Haines issued a warning to the public.

She said: “It could be one of your family who is waiting for that 999 call to be answered. It could be the longest time of your life waiting for someone to pick up so we can get you the help you need.

“As soon as we get the call we have to get it issued and someone on their way within four minutes so the sooner you can get through to us the better.

“It’s important that we keep the line clear for genuine emergencies. I know it’s difficult as there is often a wait on 101 so people get frustrated and call 999.

“Another common reason may be because they haven’t got any credit as 101 is 15p whereas 999 is free –instead of doing the correct thing and topping up their phone they call 999.

“We have an email address as well for people with non-urgent calls.

“Please keep those lines clear for your hard-working police operators.”