Police are urging people to check their mobile phone settings after a software update is thought to be contributing to a rise in silent 999 calls.

Forces across the country – including Kent Police – are warning of an increase in people ‘pocket dialling’ the emergency services.

An update to Android phones that triggers an SOS when the button on the side of the device is pressed five times is thought to be partly responsible for the rise.

In a message posted both on Twitter and Facebook, Kent Police wrote: “BT have reported a large increase in accidental 999 calls following an update on Android mobiles that triggers an SOS when a button on the side of your phone is pressed five times.

“If you have an Android please check your SOS settings to check you aren't accidentally calling 999.”

The National Police Chief’s Council, alongside forces including The Met, Thames Valley, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Cambridgeshire are also issuing their own warnings on noticing a sudden spike in the numbers of people calling 999 in error.

The Met Police said in a tweet that it received 3,000 abandoned calls in just 24 hours on June 17 while Northamptonshire Police said it estimates more than 1,0000 silent calls have come through in the last month.

In a Tweet, the NPCC added: “Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes. There's a few reasons for this but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones.”

How can you prevent silent 999 calls?

Mobile phone users should ensure their phones are up-to-date with the latest software. Android is reported to be offering support with the issue and any changes are expected to come in the form of additional updates to devices.

Warm summer days, where people wear less layers and carry fewer belongings could also be contributing to the rise in calls as those with phones opt for pushing them tightly into pockets instead.

People who are out and about, particularly at events or concerts where they might have chosen to keep their phone in a pocket instead of a bag are also being asked to check it regularly to ensure they’ve not hit the SOS button in error.

Most phones will also allow you to switch off the emergency shortcut.

This can be disabled in Settings, via the Safety and Emergency tab, where you can then slide the emergency SOS button to ‘off’.

What should you do if you dial 999 by mistake?

Calls to 999 where no one is speaking at one end of the line, are ‘never ignored’ says the NPCC and call handlers will spend valuable time trying to call back the number who dialled in order to clarify whether they need help.

If you do dial 999 by mistake, the police’s national council asks that you stay on the line and let the operator know that you dialled in error so that they know they’ve got no one waiting for emergency help.