A life-like mannequin was left hanging from a railway bridge, with more than a dozen emergency services personnel "needlessly" called to attend.

The mannequin, which had its hands tied and a bag over its head, was left dangling from the bridge on New Road, near Hythe fire station, late on Friday night.

It caused members of the public "a lot of distress", because of how life-like it was, Hampshire Constabulary, which was called to a report of a man's body being found just after 10.20pm, said.

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It also meant a total of 14 emergency services personnel, incorporating police officers, paramedics and firefighters, were "needlessly" called to the scene.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "Incidents such as this could prevent the services helping members of the public who really need it.

"We urge anyone with information about who may have staged this to come forward.

"You can call 101 quoting reference 44250159252 or report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/"