POLICE were on high alert following reports of a gunman in Warrington – but the emergency call was later uncovered as a hoax.

Officers descended on Parr Street at 4.40pm yesterday, Wednesday, following the 999 call.

But the alert was later deemed to be a hoax.

A 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by detectives after he was arrested in Howley.

He has since been released pending further enquiries. 

A police spokesman said: "Officers have arrested a male in the Howley area for an allegation that he has made a hoax call to police of a firearms related incident.

"This obviously resulted in the deployment of numerous officers – especially as officers were looking to secure a scene and check on the welfare of any possible victims.

"It has also impacted on the NHS who had received a call telling them to expect a gunshot victim at the hospital."