EMERGENCY services have expressed their annoyance and frustration following a hoax call which prompted them to rush to the scene.

Police were called to the 24-hour toilet in the West Bay Car Park yesterday (January 27) with a report that someone had been taken ill and was trapped in the toilet.

Officers responded to the call and on arrival called firefighters and made ambulance aware someone could be needed for medical attention.

Firefighters from Bridport attended the scene with an engine and removed the door of the toilet to gain access only to find part of an old railway sleeper. As a result of the damage caused to the door the toilet has been decommissioned.

A spokesperson from the fire station said the situation was 'rather frustrating'.

Police have opened an investigation into the 'silly prank' and have asked anyone with any information to please come forward.

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "A silly prank has led to the unnecessary call out of the emergency services today to the 24-hour toilet in the West Bay Car Park.

"Police received a call just before 10am from the contract cleaner, having been concerned that someone had been taken ill, as he couldn’t gain access even though the door was not locked. On the arrival of the police, a decision was made to call out the fire service and to make ambulance aware that there might be someone in need of medical attention.

"On the arrival of the fire service, they removed the door only to find part of an old railway sleeper.

"Although we were pleased that no one was behind the door in need of help, we were left feeling annoyed of the time wasted, which could have potentially prevented the fire appliance from attending a real emergency.

"The police will be making enquiries regarding this incident as it has also resulted in the toilet being decommissioned as damage was caused to the door frame when gaining entry.

"Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed this happening or has any information that might assist us with our enquiries is asked to contact the non-emergency number 101 or go online www.dorset.police.uk/ quoting Incident Number 27:113."