If there's something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call?... not the police!

This is the message from officers after a 999 call that would have been more suitable for Ghostbusters.

One Haywards Heath resident called the emergency services to report their neighbour for paranormal activity.

On Friday night, the unnamed caller claimed that a ghost had been sent to their house to haunt them.

Officers gave some "reassuring words" - but explained that they only deal with genuine emergencies.

Sussex Police have now issued a reminder around when you should and shouldn't call 999.

Mid Sussex neighbourhood policing inspector Darren Taylor said: "Phone call late last night from a resident stating that their neighbour had sent a ghost into their house to haunt them.

"Some reassuring words issued given and also words of advice offered as well around ringing 999 for emergencies only."

Sussex Police receives more than 18,500 999 calls a month.

Officers have previously warned that nuisance calls can make it harder for people to reporter genuine emergencies.

Members of the public are asked to call 999 if:

  • a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed
  • someone is in immediate danger or harm
  • property is in danger of being damaged
  • a serious disruption to the public is likely

Non-emergencies can either be reported online or by calling 101.

Police do not generally respond to reports of ghosts.

For paranormal activity you would be better off calling Ghostbusters.

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film, which received a modern reboot in 2016.