POLICE in Brynaman have slammed those responsible for a 999 false alarm which triggered a big and costly rescue operation.

Three fire engines, several police cars and a rescue boat all raced to the scene at the River Amman following reports a young girl had jumped off a nearby bridge and been swept downstream.

Although rescuers combed the river and the surrounding area nothing was found and the girl at the centre of the alarm was later discovered safe at home.

Now angry officers say those responsible for reporting the incident have been given “strong words of advice”.

One onlooker said: “Who deliberately misinformed the emergency services I don’t know, but I hope they’ll have the book thrown at them.”

A police spokeswoman said police received a report at around 9.55pm on Saturday, October 25, that a woman had jumped off the bridge in Heol yr Orsaf, near Brynaman rugby club.

“The female who was alleged to have jumped off the bridge was subsequently located in her home safe and well, and had obviously not entered the river at any point,” she said. “A substantial amount of police resources were utilised following this report as someone’s life was believed to be in danger. We would like to remind everyone when reporting an incident such as this to the police that they must be sure that the incident needs a police response and that they are clear on the facts surrounding the incident.

“If you believe someone’s life is genuinely in danger call 999 immediately. But wasting police time is an offence – and others who genuinely need police assistance could suffer because of such instances.”