Selby firefighters today condemned a hoax caller who told them a house was on fire.

A crew from the Selby station were called out to Bramley Avenue, Barlby, at 4.30pm yesterday - only to find they had been duped.

Sub-officer Colin Hunter said: "People who make these malicious calls should be aware that it is now much easier to track them down. If they are caught, they will be prosecuted.

"While we are dealing with a hoax call, it means that we are not available to respond to a real emergency."

The incident is being investigated by Selby police.

Updated: 12:19 Tuesday, June 17, 2003