A HOAX call about a woman drowning in a Bolton park has sparked a warning from police.

The emergency services cordoned off Queens Park on Wednesday night after a call saying a woman was in difficulties in some water.

Police, paramedics and the fire service found nothing after being called to the area at about midnight. 

A police spokesman said: "This is potentially an incredibly dangerous thing to do as it diverts resources of the emergency services that could be better served elsewhere. 

"Wasting our time on hoax calls could slow down our response to other serious incidents and could even cost lives.

"We would like to remind people of these potential consequences and urge them never to make a hoax call."