Police are advising residents in the Cessnock area that a telephone fault has meant they are currently unable to call their local police station.

The fault occurred approximately one hour ago and at this stage, it is believed the phone line will be operational about midday today (Sunday 21 February 2016).

In the meantime, anyone trying to report non life-threatening matters to officers at Cessnock Police Station should instead contact Maitland Police Station on (02) 4934 0200.

As always, anyone wanting to report a life-threatening matter should contact Triple Zero (000).

Telephone communications between police officers remains unaffected.