EXCLUSIVE: Police force computer systems crashed across country this morning

POLICE computer systems across the country crashed this morning leading to fears it could affect response times to crimes, something the Home Office quickly denied.

Forces affected included the country's biggest, the Met Police.

Security firm sources said they feared it could affect response times if police assistance was needed at incidents.

A police source said: "No one could log in. We were unable to do anything."

Chief Constable Rob Carden, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Digital, Data and Technology: said: "A number of forces have reported issues with the use of some national force systems, caused by a technical issue from a third-party supplier.

"The Home Office and network provider have worked together at pace to rectify the issue, with forces now regaining safe and secure access to the systems affected."

An NPCC spokesperson added: "In the interim, business continuity plans were implemented to ensure minimum disruption to policing and above all else, public safety."

A Met Police spokesperson said: "This morning, the Met experienced an IT outage that impacted several internal systems used by officers and staff.

“We can confirm that the outage did not affect emergency 999 calls. Officers were able to respond as normal.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “A technical issue affected some Home Office and police systems following a technical change made by a provider overnight. It has now been resolved.

“Frontline policing remains unaffected.”