This thread about a discreet 999 call is a terrifying (but ultimately reassuring) read

Poke Staff. Updated April 7th, 2022

This short thread by North Yorkshire police has just gone viral on Twitter because it’s an important safety message for us all.

And the story it illustrates about making (and how to make) a discreet 999 call is a terrifying but ultimately reassuring read.

When a call ‘to order pizza’ becomes an urgent plea for help…📞

We received a 999 call – but when it was answered, the woman on the line said she would like to order a pizza.

Our call handler immediately asked the woman if she was in trouble, to which she confirmed “yes”.

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

With the woman only able to answer “yes” and “no” to questions, we established she was on a bus in North Yorkshire, and was at risk of harm from a man who was with her. While keeping the phone line open, the call handler was also able to text her for more information.

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

We managed to locate the bus using an online tracker, and bring it to a stop.

A 40-year-old man from Leeds was arrested in connection with the incident. He remains in custody at this time.

Keep reading this thread for what to do if you need help…https://t.co/mv2m1BXWcC pic.twitter.com/DGqSzkcQ8l

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

All 999 calls are directed to call centres and answered by BT operators.

They’ll ask which service you need.

If no service is requested but anything suspicious is heard throughout the process, the operator will connect you to a police call handler.

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

It’s always best to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering.

You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone in response to questions.

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

The police call handler will attempt to communicate with you by asking simple yes or no questions.

If you are not able to speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from the call handler so we can assess your call and arrange help if needed.

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 6, 2022

And here are just a few of the many responses it prompted.

This is excellent. And reminds me… I called 999 completely by accident (hung up as soon as I’d realised) a few months ago and because the call at their end was silent then ended quickly, they called back withIn seconds and asked if all was ok. Comforting to know this happens.

— Hells Bells 🇺🇦 (@Hells_Bells0506) April 6, 2022

Hats off to North Yorkshire Police, the call handler. A slap on the back, a hip hip hooray to all involved, this is the kind of stuff which brings credit to the often criticized police system.

— Barry G aka Barry the gas man!#FBLC (@barry_grayston) April 6, 2022

Well done to all involved especially the victim who managed to stay rational and calm despite her terrible ordeal. Well done too to the call handler who immediately realised what might be wrong – training or instinct, it doesn't matter. Share so others can learn what to do.

— Kieron F (@kieronf2) April 6, 2022

Well done ! Don't want to go into details but I was rescued from a horrific situation by good people who heard what I didn't say rather than what I was able to say ..I'm safe now ..thanks to great kindness x

— honeyblade (@tjgerlilly) April 6, 2022

Your call handler acted with superb empathy and professionalism.

— Jan Bird (@pictureladyjan) April 6, 2022

Source Twitter @NYorksPolice Image Unsplash