Hoaxers hinder police 999 calls

Avon and Somerset police said the 999 service has continued to receive a significant number of non-urgent calls.

The constabulary said the problem was particularly bad over the Christmas period and hindering response to real emergency calls.

Supt Chris Weigold said the 999 service must be reserved for when a life is at risk or a crime in progress.

"There are people who make hoax calls, those that think it's a laugh. The 999 system is there for real emergencies."

He added: "If it is not an emergency then call us by some other manner such as our general contact number, 0845 456 7000.

"Clearly there are people who are mistaken and we will always do what we can to support them however they contact us."