CALLERS wanting to report crimes to Hampshire police were turned away on Thursday morning due to computer problems.

An electrical failure at police headquarters meant the force enquiry centre, which takes 0845 045 45 45 non-emergency calls, had to revert back to a paper-based system.

However one Daily Echo reader, who phoned to report vandalism to his car, said he was told to call back later in the afternoon because the operator "could not take any details whatsoever".

A police spokesman said: "When the public phoned to report a crime they were given an option to either have the details taken down by hand, which can be a lengthy process, or to leave their contact details and have an operator call them back when systems were back up and running."

The spokesman said staff experienced difficulties accessing computer systems, telephone and e-mail following the fault at about 2am.

Replacement component parts were fitted and most of the internal communication was restored by 10.30am.

The spokesman added: "There was no impact on our ability to handle emergencies and members of the public were still able to contact the 999 emergency number."

An internal investigation has been launched.