.
POLICE have sent out a reminder to residents about the '55' Silent Solution protocol.
If you are in a situation where you call the police but cannot speak, you can key '55' to alert the operator you need police assistance.
Although the protocol has been in place for over a decade, police have issued a reminder as many people are unaware and it could help to save a life.
A police spokesman said: "Please do not think that just because you dial 999 that police will attend.
"We totally understand that sometimes people are unable or too afraid to talk, however it must be clear that we will not routinely attend a silent 999 call.
"There must be some indication that the call has not been mis-dialled."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here