WEST Mercia Police has revealed details of ridiculous, time-wasting calls it has recently received.

One concerned member of the public rang up to inform officers about a squirrel lying on the ground in a park.

Another phoned with a complaint about a parcel not being delivered, while "my neighbour's washing machine is too loud" and "my finger is stuck in a bottle" were two further comical calls.

But such telephone conversations prevent police staff from answering more pressing queries and responding to those people in real need of assistance.

West Mercia Police - which receives a call every 48 seconds - has therefore launched a campaign to educate the local community about appropriate use of the 999 and 101 numbers.

The Right Service, First Time initiative is highlighting examples of the proper use of 101, such as reporting a vehicle as stolen, damaged property or anyone suspecting drug dealing in their neighbourhood.

It is also dispelling a common misconception that police can intervene for issues of noise nuisance such as a dog barking or for graffiti removal from a public area, explaining that councils instead should be informed of these matters.

Chief superintendent Steve Cullen said: "The 101 number provides a vital service for people to contact us for non-emergency matters - but using it inappropriately detracts from all the cases where people genuinely need our help.

"Every call takes time to answer and properly assess for our response. For every misdirected call we receive, people who do require a police response may have to wait longer to have their call answered at the busiest times."