Social services exist to help the most vulnerable people.

For many, it is a lifeline. But when Ruth Heard needed emergency help for her terminally-ill daughter, Belinda Dalton, she could not contact them.

The pair were accidentally locked out of their house, preventing Belinda, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, from taking vital medication.

Ms Heard desperately tried to contact social services on the emergency number she had been given but got no answer. With Belinda's medication hours overdue, Ms Heard contacted the police.

They, too, could not reach social workers and resorted to smashing Ms Heard's door down. The emergency team is run by East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council buys into the service.

The city council has promised to find out why there was a breakdown in communication between Ms Heard and the emergency team.

Whatever the reason, Ms Heard suffered unnecessary anguish and distress as she feared for her daughter's life.

Social services acts as a safety net. Let's hope the authorities ensure there is no hole in this one and, if so, mend it immediately.