A national campaign has been launched to raise awareness of a system to help people alert police when in imminent danger but unable to speak.

The Silent Solution system released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct enables someone to call 999 who is too scared to make a noise or speak.

The caller will be asked to press 55 when prompted, which will inform officers they are in a genuine emergency.

A statement release by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex (PFCC Essex) said: “The system is well-established but is only effective if the public know and understand how it works. It could, in extreme situations, potentially save a life.”

The 'Make Yourself Heard' was launched to coincide with National Stalking Awareness Week.

The family of murder victim Kerry Power, who was murdered by her ex-partner, support the publicity.

PFFC Essex said: “Prior to her murder, Kerry believed that if she made a silent 999 call she would not need to speak or make a noise for police to send assistance.

This was incorrect and her call was terminated without being put through to police.

“Her former partner, who had broken into her home when Kerry made the call, later rang police to admit he had strangled her.”

Callers who find themselves in this situation are asked to listen and respond to questions and instructions by coughing or tapping the handset.

If using a mobile phone, the person is asked to dial 55 when prompted by the automated Silent Solution system.

More information on how to alert police silently, visit https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKPFCC/2019/04/11/file_attachments/1190773/Silent%20solution_guide.pdf