Cambridgeshire police is asking people to think twice about calling its emergency numbers while it tries to deal with “exceptionally high numbers” of calls.

Today (Tuesday) the force has urged people to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency as it copes with the increased amount of calls.

While people dealing with a situation that is not an emergency are asked to report information online rather than dialling 101.

Superintendent Martin Brunning said: “Staff in our contact centres are working incredibly hard to reach the people in most need as soon as possible.”

Non-emergency incidents, where suspects are not at the scene, such as theft, criminal damage and burglary can be reported via www.contactcambspolice.uk/Report/Crime/.

Anti-social or carless driving can also be reported on www.contactcambspolice.uk/Report/AcDriving.aspx.