Police have issued a warning after what was likely a 'hoax call' reporting an unresponsive woman in Weymouth.

Resources were diverted away from 'genuine emergencies' and the incident was 'dangerous' to both police officers and the public.

A major response was co-ordinated to the report with firearms units, a dog unit, neighbourhood PCSOs and officers from Weymouth's response unit all called out.

The ambulance service also attended the incident alongside a helicopter.

An extensive search of the area was completed with no trace of any incident.

Weymouth and Portland Police now say they believe the incident to be a hoax call.

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said: "We would like to raise awareness of the detrimental effect hoax calls cause on both officers and the public.

"A number of units attended on blue lights which can be dangerous to officers and the public whilst searching for this incident.

"Police and Ambulance were also unable to respond to other genuine emergencies due to this report.

"Please only use 999 in a genuine emergency."

Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence and those found guilty could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.