A family in Gwent was left terrified when their desperate 999 call went unanswered during a violent home invasion. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted an internal review by Gwent Police.
A Night of Terror
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, reported hearing intruders breaking into their property late at night. In a state of panic, they immediately dialled 999, expecting swift assistance from the police.
"We were absolutely petrified," one family member later recounted. "We could hear them smashing through the door, and all we got was silence on the other end of the line."
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Gwent Police confirmed they received the call but admitted it was not answered due to "unforeseen circumstances." The force has since apologised and launched an internal investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson stated: "We deeply regret the distress caused to the family. We are reviewing our call-handling procedures to prevent such failures in future."
Community Outrage
Local residents have expressed shock and anger over the incident, with many questioning the reliability of emergency services in the area.
"If you can't rely on the police in an emergency, what are we paying our taxes for?" asked one neighbour.
What Happens Next?
The police have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and will implement any necessary changes to their emergency response protocols.
Meanwhile, the traumatised family is receiving support from victim services as they try to recover from their ordeal.
