Man arrested after 'hoax' emergency off resort pier
BBCA 19-year-old man has been arrested after a hoax 999 call was made claiming someone was getting into difficulty in the sea near Blackpool.
Emergency services including lifeboat crews, the coastguard and a police helicopter searched around the Central Pier for about 90 minutes after the call was received in the early hours.
Lancashire Police said it then transpired the call was linked to an attempt to boost engagement on an individual's social media account.
A man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and he remains in custody.
Police said the call was made at about 02:33 GMT.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact them.
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