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Thieves disrupt 999 phone service Thieves disrupt 999 phone service
(40 minutes later)
Thousands of people are unable to use their phones or contact emergency services after thieves damaged cables. Up to 17,000 people are unable to use their phones or contact emergency services after thieves damaged cables.
The 999 service in much of Birmingham and the Black Country is unavailable. Engineers are working to restore the service as soon as possible. BT engineers are working to restore connections but warned it may take until Monday morning.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said raiders cut through British Telecom cables at an exhange near Handsworth Sorting Office during the early hours. The 999 service in much of Birmingham and the Black Country is unavailable. People are asked to use mobile phones.
Anyone needing to dial 999 should use a mobile phone if possible. A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said raiders cut through British Telecom cables at an exchange near Handsworth Sorting Office during the early hours.
Alternatively, contact the police switchboard on 0845 113 5000 and state the call is an emergency. Alternatively, anyone in need of the emergency services is advised to contact the police switchboard on 0845 113 5000 and state the call is an emergency.
The fire service can be called from the red phone boxes outside fire stations. People should also raise the alarm with neighbours, shops and passers-by.The fire service can be called from the red phone boxes outside fire stations. People should also raise the alarm with neighbours, shops and passers-by.
The affected areas include Aston, central Birmingham, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Ladywood, Blackheath, Stone Croft, West Bromwich, Tipton and Wednesbury.The affected areas include Aston, central Birmingham, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Ladywood, Blackheath, Stone Croft, West Bromwich, Tipton and Wednesbury.
There is a complete service loss in some areas and partial in others and is also affecting normal phone services. There is a complete service loss in some areas and a partial loss in others. It is also affecting normal phone services.