Fine for 999 self-harm threat man

Police in Gloucestershire have arrested and fined a man, after he called 999 to make a complaint of being overcharged by a taxi driver.

The man was arrested and issued a penalty notice for disorder after he made a second call, threatening to set himself alight.

Two police cars, an ambulance and a fire engine attended the scene.

The 23-year-old man from Mickelton, Gloucestershire, complained of being overcharged £40 for a seven-mile trip.

Pc Simon Bourne, of Stow Police, said: "Ringing 999 with a non-emergency call and then claiming you will set yourself on fire are acts of total stupidity.

"People need to be aware that there is no excuse for making hoax calls."