HOAX callers who reported a man had been stabbed in Colchester have been criticised for wasting police time.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Creffield Road just after 12.30am yesterday.

A caller dialled 999 and said they had witnessed a man being stabbed in the leg.

Officers arrived and carried out a detailed search with paramedics and an ambulance also sent to provide emergency treatment.

However there were no signs of any struggle, victim or incident and the caller did not respond to attempts to get back in touch.

A spokesman for Essex Police urged people to use the emergency services responsibly and said those who make crank calls are not only wasting time and money but also tying up emergency sources which could be needed elsewhere and causing concern for other residents when they see police and paramedics combing the area at night.