A global Microsoft outage has been causing problems for millions of people across the world.

Many have been left without access to Outlook email, Teams and Copilot.

The incident is having a detrimental impact on the NHS, police and other essential services.

Staffordshire Police released the following statement: "Due to a global Microsoft service issue, some online form submissions may be affected.

"If your report is time-critical but not an emergency, please call 101.

"In an emergency, call 999."

University Hospitals of North Midlands is encouraging patients to attend appointments as planned and make contact by phone.

The same advice applies to all NHS patients.

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An NHS spokesperson said: "With the global Microsoft issue inevitably having a disruptive impact for staff, local NHS services are enacting long-standing measures to manage IT outages and ensure critical services and appointments can continue for patients today - including using other IT systems or paper records where possible.

"Patients should continue to use 999 in an emergency, and otherwise use 111, 111 online, or their local pharmacy, and come forward for appointments unless told otherwise."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We're aware of the ongoing Microsoft Outlook issues, which are currently affecting our email services, along with many others around the world.

"Our operational services are continuing as normal and we remain focused on responding to patients who need us."