THREE fire engines were tied up for ten minutes after a malicious caller dialled 999 to falsely report a house fire with people trapped in Blaenavon at 11.25pm on Saturday, June 25.

Another caller falsely reported a fire in Gilfach, near Bargoed, at 10.55pm, but call handlers were able to determine the report was bogus and crews were not sent to the scene.

Making a false 999 call is a criminal offence and can be punished with a six-month prison sentence or a fine of up to £5,000.