Police issue advice to 999 callers after 'silent call' from Peterborough woman in danger
Police have issued advice to 999 callers on what to do if they’re in danger but cannot speak – after receiving a call from a Peterborough woman who was in fear of her life.
Cambridgeshire Police recently answered a silent 999 call where “only muffled sounds and disturbance could be heard on the line”.
It came from the Fenland area – but call handlers first wondered if it was an accidental “pocket dial” – until they heard alarming noises.
“In the background, a woman's voice suddenly could be heard screaming "get out" - as well as the sound of children crying,” a force spokesperson said.
“Officers were immediately dispatched to the address and found a woman, visibly shaken
“It came to light that her partner had threatened to kill her, had grabbed her by her hair and had thrown items at her.
“He had left the scene when officers arrived, but was later arrested.”
The force acknowledges there are situations when a person who calls 999 in danger may not be in a position to speak – being fearful that doing so may alert the aggressor to the call.
They offered the following advice to anyone who may find themselves in a similar, dangerous situation: “If you’re in danger and can’t talk, press when prompted by the call taker,” the spokesperson explained.
“You can whisper, cough or tap the keypad to answer questions too.”
For more details about silent 999 calls visit the dedicated page on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.