POLICE chiefs in Cheshire are advising residents the 101 line is currently down. 

At least 18 forces have been having technical issues with the line used for non-emergencies since 9am this morning. 

There are also reports the 111 NHS non-emergency line has stopped working. 

Cheshire Police posted on Facebook this morning they had been informed by Cable & Wireless that a switch had blown and 101 was down nationally.

A spokesman addded: "They are working to get it back up asap. 

"If you need to speak to us regarding a non emergency call us on 0845 458 0000."