FIRE crews who had to rescue a teenager who was stuck on a lamppost in North Yorkshire have warned of the risks of internet pranks - and said the girl could have been helped by her friends.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday a crew from Colburn was called to Hipswell Hall Road in Catterick Garrison at 8.48pm.

A 13-year-old girl had got stuck on a lamppost and was untangled by fire fighters after an "internet prank".

She was freed by fire fighters unhurt.

The fire service was unable to provide further details of the nature of the prank which led to the girl getting stuck, but elsewhere there have been reports of people getting friends to cross their legs around the base of a lamppost, before sliding to the ground.

Girl rescued from lamppost after prank goes wrong

The position leaves the person unable to free themselves, causing cramp in their lower legs and restricting breathing if the person leans back.

Alyson Down, community safety officer for Richmondshire, said: “Pranks have always been around but with the extensive use of social media it obviously exposes them to more and more people who may be influenced to try them.

“Generally they could be considered harmless fun, however when they go wrong and require emergency assistance it is a needless cost to the public and a waste of valuable resources that may be needed elsewhere for more serious, or even life-threatening, situations.

“In this case the girl was with a quite a number of her friends who could have easily offered assistance rather than calling 999.

“We would encourage people to consider the potential risks of any activity that they choose to engage in and if there is a risk then please don’t do it.”