Police hunt 999 hoaxer

POLICE are hunting a hoaxer who sparked an emergency turn-out by the fire brigade, police, and ambulance service when he called to say someone was trapped in a blazing house.

The 999 call was made to the fire service at 3.20am yesterday, resulting in two fire engines turning out from Oldham fire station, one from Hollins, as well as police officers and paramedics.

But when they arrived at the house in Frances Street, Derker, there was no fire and no one needing assistance.

Watch commander Mark Williams, from Oldham fire station, said not only had the hoaxer threatened the safety of members of the public, but took up the time of vital emergency vehicles, preventing them from being available to answer genuine calls for help.

He said: “The hoaxer said he could see smoke coming from an upstairs back bedroom window and there was someone inside the house.

“Driving through the streets at breakneck speed to get to someone trapped in a burning building puts other people at risk, and leaves no fire engines to answer other calls.

“It was a completely ridiculous thing for him to do.”

Police were making inquiries to trace the culprit yesterday after his call was recorded by the fire service.