Emergency Services

You do not have to pay to use the emergency services for fire, police, ambulance (a vehicle with medical personnel on board) or a lifeboat (when some is in trouble at sea). Dial 999 (the UK emergency number) or 112 (the international distress number) when:

• there is a fire
• someone is drowning or they are in difficulty on the water
• lives are at risk or there is serious injury
• there is violence
• a crime is taking place
• you think a criminal is at the scene or nearby

The emergency telephone operator will ask:

1. which emergency service you need
2. your name and location
3. the telephone number you are calling from
4. the location of the emergency
5. details of what is happening

You will need enough spoken English to choose the service and give your name and location. You may be asked to stay on line while the emergency services are on their way to you.

For less urgent police matters, telephone 0845 456 4564, which is open 24 hours a day. The telephone operator can arrange for an interpreter it you need one. The number for local police stations is 01202 222222.