'Think twice before calling out emergency services this New Year's Eve'

There are warnings to think twice about calling out the emergency services tonight as they brace themselves for their busiest night of the year.

Greater Manchester police say they're expecting an 80 percent increase in the number of 999 calls, and 24% more 101 calls than an average Friday night between 9pm and 7am.

When an incident is a not urgent, there are alternative ways of contacting the police to help keep call handlers free to deal with emergencies. You can report crime, anti-social behaviour and incidents that are not on going online via the GMP website. For those with internet access, this is the best way to make a non-urgent report.

In addition contact can be made via Live Chat on the GMP website. This can be used for non-emergency queries and reports throughout the night.

Superintendent Mark Kenny, who runs GMP’s call handling teams, said:

‘Please use 999 responsibly', call 999:

• · When life is in danger, someone is seriously injured, someone is using or threatening to use violence.

• · A crime is in progress.

• · Serious damage is being caused to property.

• · Or in any other circumstances where an immediate police response is required.