Cambridgeshire Police have lives are put at risk by hoax calls – after someone made a false 999 call to report they had been stabbed.

Police said fake reports ‘slow down our response to genuine emergencies by tying up an operator. This stops genuine callers getting help and places the lives of others at risk.’

Now officers have warned residents that anyone making hoax calls could get a £5,000 fine – or even a prison sentence.

The hoax stabbing call was made last week, with the caller telling officers "Please help me, I've been stabbed"

Police have issued the warning to hoax callers

placeholder image — Police have issued the warning to hoax callers

A police spokesperson said: “The caller explained that there was "blood everywhere", which was coming from his stomach, but couldn't tell the operator where he was, other than he was down a dark alleyway by himself...

“When the line suddenly cleared and the operator couldn't get back through, alarm bells went off and officers were dispatched.

“However, a little bit of detective work revealed that the same mobile number had called 999 multiple times over the course of the weekend with various different hoaxes.

“Despite claiming to be laying in a pool of blood down an alleyway, operators could see that the caller's location was moving, and after re-listening to the initial call, some faint laughter could be heard in the background.

“Officers arrived to the location quickly, but an extensive search of the area was completed, including knocking on several doors, but the caller couldn't be located.

“Hoax calls are a serious drain on our resources and can cost lives. Inappropriate calls slow down our response to genuine emergencies by tying up an operator. This stops genuine callers getting help and places the lives of others at risk.

“It is also a criminal offence and we take hoax calling very seriously. If caught, you could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.”

For more information about hoax callers – including advice for parents to prevent young children calling, and advice for what to do if you accidentally dial 999 – visit the Cambridgshire Police website at https://www.cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/contact/hoax-calling/