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Version 3 Version 4
Thieves disrupt 999 phone service Thieves disrupt 999 phone service
(about 2 hours later)
Up to 17,000 people are unable to use their phones or contact emergency services after thieves damaged cables. Up to 35,000 people in Birmingham are unable to use their phones or contact emergency services after thieves damaged cables during a burglary.
BT engineers are working to restore connections but warned it may take until Monday morning. BT engineers have managed to restore 3,000 lines but say it may be Monday evening before all are restored.
The 999 service in much of Birmingham and the Black Country is unavailable. People are asked to use mobile phones.The 999 service in much of Birmingham and the Black Country is unavailable. People are asked to use mobile phones.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said raiders cut through British Telecom cables at an exchange near Handsworth Sorting Office during the early hours. A police spokeswoman said raiders cut through BT cables at an exchange near Handsworth Sorting Office.
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 raid happened in the early hours of Sunday.
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 a partial loss in others. It 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.