Hertfordshire Police have reminded people across the county to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency after a man called officers because he had accidentally bought a non-alcoholic gin and tonic.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the unusual call was one of a number of examples of people using the emergency number for matters which have nothing to do with the police.

Other recent 999 calls have included people asking about taxi services, wanting to know the time and even reporting that the timer on their microwave was not working.

Force Public Contact Superintendent Matt Barton said that while some of the examples may sound amusing, unnecessary calls can prevent operators from helping people facing genuine emergencies.

He said: "While this call may seem amusing, the serious side of it is that this individual called 999 and took up the time of one of our call handlers who could have been helping someone in genuine need – potentially even a life-or-death situation.

"Our incredibly hard-working and ever patient call handlers are not here to answer calls about issues that are not police related.

"During this prolonged period of hot weather and heatwaves we have been busier than ever before, so we really need the public to support us by only using 999 in a genuine emergency.

"Of course, if it's an emergency don't hesitate to call and we'll get help to you as quickly as possible and if it's a non-emergency that police should know about, please consider using our online reporting options."

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Around 568 calls to 999 and a further 565 calls to the 101 non-emergency number are received every day by the constabulary's Force Communications Room at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

Police say around a third of the calls they receive should instead have been directed to councils or other organisations.

The force is encouraging people with non-emergency policing matters to "click before you call".

Crimes and other non-emergency incidents can be reported through the Hertfordshire Constabulary website, while its online web chat allows people to speak to a trained operator.

Online reports are still handled by Force Communications Room staff but allow residents to submit information at a time convenient to them.

Anyone facing a genuine emergency where there is an immediate risk to life or property should continue to call 999.