THE number of hoax emergency calls escalated last week and police believe the increase could be connected to the half-term school holidays.

Last week in Droitwich Spa, officers received 15 nuisance calls in addition to 113 false 999 calls handled by Worcester division staff.

Chief inspector Martin Lakeman, of West Mercia Constabulary, said: "Although we meet targets for answering emergency calls from the public in south Worcestershire, we are never complacent and school holidays can increase the pressure on us.

"More often than not it is a small child on the line who has probably dialled the number by mistake and a word with the usually embarrassed parent is all that is needed."

He added: "Sometimes callers are older and think it's a joke.

"People shouldn't be deterred from dialling 999 in a genuine emergency, but hoax callers should consider that what seems a prank could put lives at risk.

"Every treble nine is treated seriously and only downgraded if we are confident someone is not in trouble.

"This takes time and could delay a genuine emergency call from being answered and ultimately mean the difference between life and death."