A 16-year-old boy was arrested following a hoax emergency call reporting a stabbing in Station Road, Swindon, which triggered an extensive emergency response on the evening of Monday, 13 January.
Wiltshire Police received a priority 999 call at 9:10pm claiming there was a stabbing victim. This false report led to the deployment of multiple emergency units, including two air ambulances, several police units, a critical care team, two double-crewed land ambulances, and an operations officer.
Upon arrival, officers quickly identified the call as a hoax. They traced the call back to the suspect’s home and arrested the 16-year-old on suspicion of improper use of an electronic communication system. He has since been released under investigation.
Chief Superintendent Douglas Downing, head of local policing in Wiltshire, condemned the prank call as “incredibly reckless.” He said, “Our operators must assume such emergency calls are genuine to respond swiftly. A single hoax call like this ties up vital police and emergency services, stopping them from helping those who really need it.”
Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the strain hoax calls place on resources: “The ambulance service and NHS are under huge pressure. Hoax calls waste time and resources that could save lives. We need the public to use emergency services responsibly so crews remain free for genuine life-threatening cases.”
Adam Baker, Deputy Director of Communications for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, added, “Hoax calls are a criminal offence and can cost lives. They waste valuable funds donated by the public and delay help for real emergencies.”
Wiltshire Police have urged the public to take 999 calls seriously and warned that making hoax calls can lead to criminal charges and prosecution. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with further action expected against the suspect.
If anyone suspects misuse of emergency services, they are encouraged to report it to Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
