Dial 999 and stream footage to the police

PEOPLE who call 999 will be able to live stream footage of incidents direct to police in a nationwide first.

A pilot scheme by Gwent Police allows the public to send the control room live footage and images of unfolding events during their 999 call.

The Welsh force said it was the first in the UK to trial 999eye, which was initially developed by West Midlands Fire Service and Capita Pageone, a communications company, to check out fires.

It is hoped the system, which allows 999 callers to use their smartphones to stream footage direct to the force control room, will provide an accurate picture of an unfolding emergency to help to save lives.

Superintendent Ian Roberts, head of the control room, said it was “fantastic” the force was leading the way “in piloting such an advanced piece of technology”.

“In addition to transforming the way 999 calls are dealt with, 999eye will also provide crucial evidence to support ongoing investigations, bringing significant benefits to officers, 999 callers and members of the public,” he said.