A driver on the M6 in Staffordshire caused a major police response after making a hoax call claiming there was a gun in their vehicle. The unusual incident led officers to intercept the car between junction 15 (Stoke-on-Trent) and junction 16 (Crewe), only to discover that the caller was the driver themselves.
Police Stop Vehicle After Gun Tip-Off
The incident unfolded when West Mercia Police received a report suggesting that a vehicle on the M6 might contain a firearm. Taking the report seriously, Staffordshire Police swiftly intercepted the car on the northbound carriageway.
However, after conducting checks, officers discovered that the caller was actually the driver, making the gun report entirely false.
The driver was subsequently reported for wasting police time, though their motivation for the hoax remains unclear.
Staffordshire Police Responds to Incident
In an official Facebook statement shared on Friday, February 21, a Staffordshire Police spokesman confirmed the details:
“M6 J15 to J16 – we intercepted a vehicle which West Mercia Police had received a report may contain a gun. Further checks into the driver revealed they had made a hoax call about the gun in their own car. Driver reported for summons for wasting police time.”
Accompanying the post was an image showing a BMW stopped by police patrol vehicles.
One social media user summed up the situation in a single word: “Idiots.”
Legal Consequences of Wasting Police Time
Making false emergency calls is a serious offense in the UK. Under the Criminal Law Act 1967, wasting police time is punishable by:
A fine of up to £2,500
A maximum prison sentence of six months
A criminal record, which can impact employment and travel
Given the severity of the claim, the hoax could have diverted police resources from real emergencies, making it a reckless and irresponsible act.
Why Would Someone Make a False Report?
While the driver’s motive remains unknown, hoax emergency calls often occur due to:
Attention-seeking behavior
Attempting to cause disruption
Mental health issues
Influence of drugs or alcohol
Whatever the reason, such actions are not taken lightly by authorities.
This bizarre M6 hoax call led to a swift police response, only for officers to discover that the caller was the driver themselves. The individual now faces legal consequences for wasting police time, and their actions have been widely criticized online.
Hoax calls not only misuse emergency services but also put real emergencies at risk. Authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible use of 999 services to ensure that police resources are available when truly needed.
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