Emergency fire crews in Durham have suffered the largest number of hoax calls in England outside London.

Government figures show 14% of all calls made in the county were malicious.

Only London had a higher hoax call rate at 17%.

A Home Office spokesman promised tough measures, including prompt disconnection and fast-track prosecutions.

Selfish calls

The spokesman said: "The government's message is clear - if you make a hoax call you run the real risk of being disconnected and arrested.

"We are determined to crack down on this highly irresponsible behaviour that puts people's lives at risk.

"The emergency services during this sensitive period should be allowed to go about their business unhindered by the perpetrators of these dangerous and selfish calls.

"These tough measures are working, as hoax calls have fallen in comparison to the last 48 hour strike."

Countrywide seven people have been arrested and 114 people referred for disconnection since the latest strike began on 22 November.