A RISE in hoax calls from children to ambulance services in Gloucestershire is putting lives at risk.

Since the start of the school holidays, the South Western Ambulance Service has seen a rise in 999 prank calls from children.

Paramedics have been sent out to peoples' houses, only to find no one there when they arrive.

On one occasion when they called back the caller, they were met with children laughing.

Wasted journeys and prank calls are stopping paramedics from treating genuine patients.

Last year, 774 hoax calls were made to the ambulance service which distracted paramedics from attending 91 real emergencies.

Paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service are now asking parents to keep an eye on their mobile phones during the school holidays.

South Western Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Ken Wenman says, “Making hoax calls can put lives at risk.

"We strongly encourage parents to impress upon their children the importance of only dialing 999 in a genuine emergency situation.

"It is vital that people understand and appreciate the consequences associated with making hoax calls.

"We work with the police and other partners to seek the prosecution of people who abuse the 999 system.”