Bexley residents with an emergency link line are being asked to test their system after phone lines were cut off following "malicious vandalism" to phone cables on the other side of London.

BT have informed Bexley Council that following the damage of cables in the Ealing area, some phone lines across London (BT and non BT) are experiencing intermittent problems.

BT has been unable to confirm how many or what lines are affected.

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "We have been assured that engineering teams are working as quickly as possible to fix the issue.

"If you have a neighbour, friend of family member with an emergency link line, please check on them and ask them to test their system.

"Medvivo, who run Bexley’s emergency link line, will be happy to receive test calls. Callers may experience a slight delay in response due to the number of test calls expected."

Ann Brooks, 66, of Blackthorn Grove, Bexleyheath, said: "All the link lines at our complex were out for a few days.

"London and Quadrant who own our homes sent out emergency letters to let us know.

"Its not good when you have people who are totally dependant on the lines, some people can't even use phones here and that is their lifeline."

Have you been affected by this? Call the newsroom on 01689 885 726 or email melissa.hills@london.newsquest.co.uk