EMERGENCY calls to Hampshire Constabulary have increased by nearly 10 per cent in a year, fuelled by terror attacks, the weather and non-emergencies.

Between January and June 2017, the police received 114,486 calls compared with 105,212 in the same period last year.

The number of calls to 101, the police’s non-emergency number, has also increased in Hampshire, with 326,230 in the first half of this year compared to the 324,069 received in 2016.

In a statement, the force said: “This surge in calls is believed to be partly attributed to the increase in good weather as well as an increased level of alertness among the public following recent terrorist attacks.

“However, increasingly, we are finding that people are calling 999 when it’s not an emergency.”

Approximately 80,000 emergency calls are made in the country every day.

Police prioritise 999 calls over 101, so when it has a significant number of emergency calls, it dedicates more call handlers to operate those lines.

At peak times of demand, this reduces the police’s capacity to answer non-emergency calls.

Hampshire Constabulary has reminded residents that if a life is in danger, a crime is being committed, there is a risk of injury or an immediate police response is required, the free 999 number should be used.

It added: “We receive a significant amount of calls which don’t require police assistance.

“Before calling, please think about whether the police are the best people to help you.”

For non-emergency police enquiries, call 101.

Calls to the number cost a flat fee of 15p, regardless of what time of the day calls are made or how long they last.

The police’s peak times for 101 calls are between 8am and 10am and 4pm and 8pm.

If callers experience a delay in getting through to the police on the 101 number, they are being asked not to phone 999 as an alternative but to instead call back later.