Hoax callers are being warned by police that they face prosecution if they abuse the emergency service hotline.

Last year there were 2416 hoax calls to Cleveland Police, an increase on the 2344 recorded 12 months earlier.

Recent false calls include a report of a gun being used and someone being threatened with a knife.

Superintendent Ian Coates of Specialist Operations said people may think it is harmless fun to make a hoax call but they could be putting other people’s lives at risk.

"Our officers need to deal with potentially life threatening situations and time is of the essence," he said.

Each hoax call has the effect of diverting resources away from the point of real need and risking the lives of others. Whenever possible we will trace and prosecute hoax callers."

He said the 999 system should be used in case of an emergency where there is risk of injury, there is risk of serious damage to property, a suspected crime is in progress or it is a serious incident which needs immediate police attendance.

The non-emergency number is 01642-326326 and should be used for non-emergencies and general enquiries.