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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here