Essex Police will have a new telephone number for non-emergencies from Thursday.

It means callers will be connected to a central switchboard and then put through to the most appropriate person, department or station.

The new number for all enquiries is 0300 333 4444 and will be manned 24 hours, seven days a week.

It is not a replacement for the emergency 999, which should be dialled if there is a crime or serious incident in progress, a serious risk of injury or damage to property.

memorable Deputy chief Constable Andy Bliss, said: "The non-emergency number will improve telephone access to the police, ensuring that all calls are dealt with quickly and effectively.

"By having a memorable, low-cost, non-emergency telephone number for the whole county, it will be easier to contact Essex Police, even when you are away from home."

People can still contact their neighbourhood police office on their mobile telephone number, which can be found at essex. police.uk or by texting your postcode to 07624 800 100.

Robert Chambers, chairman of Essex Police Authority, said: "Having a non-emergency number provides convenient access to Essex Police 24 hours a day, a service members of the public have asked for.

"I urge everyone across the county to remember the new non-emergency phone number, keep one of the handy business card reminders, or save it to their mobile phone."

Callers to the non-emergency number will be charged the same or less than calls to 01255, 01206 and 01245 prefixed numbers.