Police in Tyneside and Cumbria say they have traced suspected hoax callers who have plagued emergency crews during recent strikes by firefighters.

Northumbria Police say they have arrested a man following three hoax calls made during the latest 48-hour stoppage.

Officers in Cumbria are questioning an 18-year-old man in connection with a hoax call made on Wednesday evening in Windermere.

The Home Office has promised tough measures, including prompt disconnection and fast-track prosecutions for hoaxers.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said a 33-year-old man was arrested at 2230 GMT on Wednesday in Newcastle.

He said: "The man was arrested on suspicion of being a public nuisance.

"He was granted police bail pending further inquiries."

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Detectives are interviewing an 18-year-old man who is alleged to have made a malicious 999 call in Lake Road in Windermere.

"The call was made on Wednesday night."