A HUNT has been launched for a hoaxer who claimed a suspect package was in the corridors of Burnley General Hospital.

Detectives have centred on a public payphone near the war memorial off Colne Road, Brierfield, where the call is thought to have been made by a man just after 8.30am yesterday.

Police raced to the Casterton Avenue hospital and were quickly able to establish that the call was a false alarm.

An appeal has been made for anyone seen acting suspiciously around the call box, as the hoax was condemned by police.

Det Insp Simon Cheytie said that all such hoax calls were treated seriously by Lancashire Police.

“But when the hoax involves results in us considering the possible evacuation of hospital wards then that makes it even more serious,” added DI Cheytie.

Val Bertenshaw, hospitals operations director, said: “We worked closely with the police and trust security to ensure all necessary precautions were taken.”

Potential witnesses are asked to call 01282 425001.