POLICE say a hoax caller who dialled 999 on four occasions tonight could have put lives at risk.

North Yorkshire Police reported the incidents this evening in an effort to dissuade others from making false calls.

"Dealing with a serial #Hoax caller at the mo. four 999 calls. Unfortunately for him we have his details from our systems. #Unlucky," the force Tweeted, adding: "The incidents he was reporting provoked a large police response which could have endangered other lives. He thinks its funny. We don't.

"Hoax calls have wider implications than hampering control room. Officers responding are placed at risk, as are public."

Police did not say what the content of the call was or whereabouts in the county they sent officers to.