Fire service puts hoax call on web

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Three fire engines were sent as a precaution after the caller said he could hear people "screaming" inside two houses which were ablaze. But firefighters found that there was no fire at the address.

The same hoaxer then called the fire service again to mock control operators at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service followed by a further two abusive calls.

Detective Constable Nigel Mills, the service's police liaison officer, said it was the worst hoax call he had dealt with while working with the fire service.

Mr Mills said: "By making this call, this hoax caller put the lives of people in Runcorn at risk because fire appliances may not have been available to respond to real emergencies.

The hoax call was made to the fire service just after 10pm on Monday. In the call the man said the houses on fire were in Falcons Way, Runcorn, Cheshire.

Mr Mills said that due to the seriousness of the offence police would be contacting the CPS and would not seek a fixed penalty notice.

He said: "I would also like to stress to him that this is now being treated as a serious crime.

"To help us identify the male caller I would encourage people to listen to the hoax call made by visiting the hoax call section of the service's website."

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Nigel Mills at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on 01606 868667, email nigel.mills@cheshirefire.gov.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.