Police are warning hoax callers after a false report that a child was run over in County Durham.
Emergency services lit Bishop Auckland in blue when a child was reportedly struck by a car in Tindale on Wednesday evening.
But when officers and the ambulance service arrived ready to provide potentially life-saving assistance, it became clear that it was a hoax.
This is the second hoax call Bishop Auckland officers have received in the past two weeks and the force said the behavior was “unacceptable”.
A spokesperson for the Durham Mounted Police said: “This is unacceptable and diverts much needed resources from other emergencies.
“An investigation is underway into the hoax call allegedly made by a youth from a phone booth in Tindale Retail Park at around 9:20 pm.
“Those responsible will be prosecuted under the Malicious Communications Act 1988.
“We ask all parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of hoaxing.
“What if you or your loved one is in desperate need of help but had to wait because emergency services were diverted to a hoax call?”
“Please think about the consequences.
“If you have any information, call 101 citing Incident Reference 452 of May 5 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”