THREE schoolchildren pretended to be a suicidal woman during a hoax 999 call to police, it has been revealed.
Police said the red-faced youngsters, who were over the age of 10, were reprimanded by officers in front of their parents after the nuisance phone call was traced to an address in Sedgeberrow, near Evesham.
Police are now warning people not to abuse the emergency system.
"Abusing the 999 number isn't funny," said Chief Insp Martin Lakeman.
Genuine
"Every treble nine received by the police is treated seriously and only downgraded when we are confident that someone is not in genuine trouble.
"Clearly this takes time which could delay a genuine emergency call from being answered.
"Ultimately, that could mean the difference between life and death.
"Often, it is a small child on the line and a word with the usually embarrassed parent is all that is required. Sometimes though, as in this case, the callers are older and think it's a joke.
"Nuisance calls are traced and we do take action against those who abuse the emergency system."
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