Teething problems with a new communication centre have left some telephone callers unable to get through to North Yorkshire police.

Some people calling through to the force's switchboard at the Fulford Road police station in York have been met with an engaged tone, while other calls have gone unanswered for more than a minute.

Chief Inspector Gary Clarke said the problems were due to not having a full complement of staff and new operators finding their way around the computer system.

"If you do have a particular problem you need to speak to the police about, please keep ringing," he said.

Ch Insp Clarke stressed that 999 calls were not affected in any way.