Police are investigating concerns that children are playing a dangerous 999 'game' where points are earned for what police response turns up. 

An incident reported on Monday night (7 February) is being looked into by officers from Greater Manchester Police's Tameside South and West team. 

They have warned that hoax calls to the emergency number can lead to "quite serious ramifications" including criminal convictions for wasting police time, which can "potentially have a massive impact on their future". 

Police are also urging parents to speak to their children and ask them where they are going and what they are doing in the evenings. 

An inspector from GMP Tameside South and West added in a Facebook post: "Whilst I am aware of the lack of youth services following cutbacks, it is something I want to work with partners towards diversion rather than criminalising behaviour.

"My officers will engage with your children and value their input in what they want in the local area so that we can pass it back to partners or have them join us out on patrol.

"Come and speak to the officers or drop the team an email at tamesidesouth@gmp.police.uk 

"I want to know what you want from your Neighbourhood Policing Team." 

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