Two fire engines and an ambulance were called to Ashford last night following a report young children were trapped in a burning building.

The worrying call came through at 1am from an anonymous caller who said smoke was coming from a flat in Stanhope and that children were still inside.

However, after crews and paramedics turned up at the scene, they discovered there was no danger to be found.

Speaking today, officer Steve Coulson has released an appeal to people to only dial 999 when there is an emergency.

He said: "This isn't the first time this has happened. Whoever called knew what they were doing because they said smoke was coming out the building and children were inside.

"We sent two engines and called for an ambulance and got there as soon as we can.

"This really does put other people's lives in danger" - Steve Coulson

"There was no one there when we turned up and no fire.

"We had sent all our resourses to this job, which means if another call had come through, Folkestone would have had to attend.

"This really does put other people's lives in danger.

"Please only call us when it is for real. Hoax calls risk lives, just for a bit of fun.

"We will pass this onto the police."