Police, paramedics, and firefighters descended on Lodge Farm Reservoir in Netherton, Dudley, on Thursday afternoon following a 999 call about a possible body in the water. The massive emergency response, which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, and the trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team, was triggered at around 3.30pm on June 25. However, after a thorough search of the area, West Midlands Police confirmed it was a false call, albeit made with good intent.
Emergency Services Mobilised
The call came in at 3.30pm, with West Midlands Ambulance Service receiving the report at 3.38pm. A force spokesperson stated: "We were called to Lodge Farm Reservoir at around 3.30pm to reports that a body may have been in the water. It's now been established that this was a false call, made with good intent." The ambulance service added: "Ambulance staff worked alongside emergency service colleagues to conduct a thorough search of the reservoir, however, there was no patient found and we were stood down."
Social Media Speculation
A picture of emergency vehicles on Highbridge Road was shared on social media, sparking speculation among Facebook users that local schoolchildren may have planned a gathering or been swimming in the reservoir. However, the principal of The Link Academy quickly refuted these claims. In a statement, the principal said: "Staff from the safeguarding team at The Link attended the reservoir when school ended today and no learners were swimming. At the end of the day, senior staff also attended the reservoir and were reassured by police that there was not a missing person and that they were responding to a report from a member of the public. Again, those senior staff spoke to young people in the area. There were no learners from The Link Academy swimming in the reservoir. We of course are awaiting official information from the police as we can only go on what we have been told at the site."
False Call with Good Intent
The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency services when responding to well-meaning but ultimately unfounded reports. Despite the significant deployment of resources, no one was found in distress, and all units were stood down after the search concluded. The police emphasised that the call was made in good faith, reflecting public vigilance rather than malicious intent.
