POLICE officers and paramedics were called to the Old Market shopping centre in Hereford this morning .

Eye witnesses said the rescue teams were seen carrying out a search of the retail area.

West Mercia Police has now said that the matter is being treated as a hoax call.

A spokesperson said officers were originally told a woman had been attacked - but the call is now believed to be a hoax.

Three police cars parked up outside Waitrose supermarket before officers, some wearing stab-proof vests, were seen carrying out investigations in the car park.