Hello, 999? My kids don't want to go to school

The report, which was made to police today, included the man telling call handlers that his wife had phoned him because their children would not go to school.

It was one of two time-wasting calls made to police in the space of a view hours, with another person reporting their car stolen as a result of a practical joke from a friend.

In a series of tweets West Mercia Police's Operation and Communications Centre called on people to think seriously before calling 999.

One said: "We've received a 999 call this morning from a male who had been contacted by his wife to say that the children did not want to go to school and were arguing with mum.

“We will always assist if there is risk or threat or harm but cannot attend to tell your children to go to school.”

In a follow up tweet the unit revealed a prankster had wasted their time by pretending his friend's car had been stolen.

It said: "When it's your friend's birthday & you want to prank them into thinking their car has been stolen – it may be a good idea to confess before they ring the police on 999!

"We have recorded an incident & ensured all relevant markers in place, only to have to cancel it. #wasteoftime."

It is not the first time the centre has expressed its frustration over people's use of 999.

On one occasion last year they received 14 'pocket dial' calls from one mobile phone in Telford

Meanwhile, in January this year a dog caused problems when it managed to knock the phone off the hook and dial police on 999 in Jackfield, near Ironbridge.

On that occasion West Mercia Police reported that they received a 999 call from an address in Jackfield on Sunday, January 7 – but when the operator tried to speak to the caller, there was no response.

The operator heard no disturbance or any suspicious noises on the line and the phone was then hung up.

Police said the 999 operator called back immediately and spoke to a woman who was very apologetic, who explained her pet dog had managed to knock the telephone off the hook and somehow dial the emergency 999 line.

The operator ensured all was in order at the property, before ending the call.