Two teenage girls got more than they bargained for when they went on a night out this weekend.

The 16- and 17-year-old phoned 999 at around 2.30am on Saturday morning because they had run out of money and needed a lift home.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded because they were concerned for the welfare of the two girls in the city centre.

However when they arrived they realised the teens were suspects in a different offence.

Both girls were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following an incident at Manchester Piccadilly railway station in February.

The 16-year-old has now been charged with criminal damage, while the 17-year-old was released under investigation.

Chief Inspector Matthew Jackson said: ‘GMP receives around 5,000 calls a day, 2,000 of which are 999 calls with the vast majority from people in a genuine emergency.

‘However, people ringing 999 for inappropriate reasons are potentially putting lives at risk by taking call handlers’ time away from genuine emergency calls, keeping people in danger waiting for longer and putting lives at risk.

‘The use of the 999 system is for emergencies only and we have other channels where you can speak with us including online, LiveChat, 101 and Crimestoppers.’

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