Police in Oswestry have received “a large number” of hoax calls from children.

West Mercia Police have warned children in the Gobowen area to stop ringing them with hoax complaints.

According to the Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Team they received a large number of calls in recent weeks and have publicly warned them that there could be consequences.

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A spokesperson for Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Teams said: “We have been receiving large numbers of Hoax 999 Calls from the Gobowen area of Oswestry from young children reporting some very serious incidents.

“We are pleading with children to stop this and only call police or other emergency services with genuine Emergency calls.

“We still have to deploy resources which could be spent going to someone in actual need and likely in a life-or-death situation.

“We are pleading with parents to educate children on the proper use of 999 call system.

“Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence. You could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.

“If you accidently call 999 by mistake please don't just hang up, stay on the line and speak to the operator to confirm that everything is ok, hanging up could be interpreted as something has gone wrong and you still might be in need of help.”