The number of hoax calls has risen by almost a third from last year

The number of malicious calls to the service has risen by almost a third this year - 900 calls compared to 700 in the same period last year.

The perpetrators could face prosecution and having their phones including mobiles disconnected.

Sue Tate, hoax calls manager said: "It's becoming a bigger problem."

A fire engine crashed when it was responding to a fake emergency call out in St Helens.

'Bigger problem'

A hoax caller reported two people were trapped in a house fire and one of the engines overturned while driving to the call and two of the crew were seriously injured.

The time and phone number of every call are logged and will now be used against offenders.

Ms Tate said: "We are working with the police and the service providers to identify the callers that call in via their mobiles and get their details and pass them on to he police.

"Or we can also apply to have their mobile phone disconnected.

"It's becoming a bigger problem as the weeks go on."