POLICE have brought the number of live incidents they are dealing with back within regular levels after being overwhelmed by rising numbers of calls.

The Press reported last week that following months of increased 999 and 101 calls, the number of outstanding live incidents being handled by North Yorkshire Police was more than double the usual amount.

North Yorkshire Police refuted claims this was "a critical incident", but confirmed police officers and staff had been redeployed to deal with the increase, which saw members of the public wait longer than ever for a follow-up to their calls.

The Force Control Room had had a backlog of about 500 live incidents last Friday, up from the usual number of "approximately 200 'live' incidents", police confirmed.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Cain reiterated that North Yorkshire Police was not alone in experiencing an increased number of calls, but said the backlog had been reduced.

ACC Cain said: "Due to the exceptional demand we, and other forces across the UK, have been experiencing over the summer months the number of live incidents on our log last week had climbed to 500, which is near double the level we usually see.

"I’m pleased to say that as at 6am on Thursday, the number of live incidents on our log has fallen to 196. As you would expect with calls for police assistance, these call levels will fluctuate and will continue to do so. However, our officers and staff will continue to work hard to ensure those in need of police assistance will receive the support required."

In July, Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and then-Temporary Chief Constable Lisa Winward unveiled a new FCR facility to help reduce demand on the current call takers and reduce the amount of time callers spent waiting on the line. The new rooms, which include new full-time staff training facilities, state-of-the-art IT equipment and tutoring rooms, was part of the PCC's £3m investment in the FCR over the next two years.