A "silly prank" has wasted emergency services' time and put a toilet out of use.

Police were called to the 24 hour toilet in West Bay car park just before 10am yesterday (Thursday) by the contract cleaner, having been concerned that someone had been taken ill, as he couldn't gain access even though the door was not locked.

When the police arrived, the decision was made to call the fire service and to make the ambulance aware that there might be someone in need of medical attention.

The fire service arrived and removed the door, only to find part of an old railway sleeper.

A spokesman for Bridport police said: "A silly prank has led to the unnecessary call out to the emergency services.

"Although we were pleased that no one was behind the door in need of help, we were left feeling annoyed of the time wasted, which could have potentially prevented the fire appliance from attending a real emergency.

"The police will be making enquiries regarding this incident as it has also resulted in the toilet being decommissioned as damage was caused to the door frame when gaining entry."

Police are asking for anyone with information on this or who witnesses the anti-social behaviour happening to contact them at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 27:113.

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