Police believe reports of a gunman on the loose in Hersham were a hoax, after they failed to locate any suspects.

Officers attended Vaux Crescent, Hersham, at about 6.40pm on Friday, July 3, following reports shots had been heard in the area.

Surrey Police units, including firearms units, Targeted Patrol Team units and the Surrey Police helicopter, scrambled to the scene and carried out an extensive search of the area but no one was located.

Burwood Road was closed at the junctions with Green Lane and Westcar Lane until about 7.45pm.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: “The 999 system is there for people who are in genuine emergency situations and need assistance.

"By misusing it you are tying up emergency lines and preventing other people from getting through. Ultimately this could end up costing someone their life.

“Please act responsibly and only call 999 for the right reasons.

"Every call we receive has to be answered by our call handlers and prank, abandoned, or inappropriate calls put an unnecessary strain on resources.”

Armed police swooped on St John’s Drive, Walton, on May 22 after a hoax call.

They had received reports of a girl being threatened by a gunman and sent a police helicopter, only to find it was not a firearms incident.

A teenage girl was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time and bailed until later this month.

Anyone with any information surrounding the incident on Friday should call Surrey Police on 0845 1252222, quoting reference P09211749, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

• Get the latest crime figures in our Local Information section