Gravesend lifeboat crews searching for a 'child in the water' at Dagenham have revealed the call was a hoax.

Crews began their search at midday yesterday (July 4) after receiving reports of a child in the water at Dagenham Docks.

A spokesman for Gravesend RNLI said: "Initial information as to the exact location of the casualty was sketchy.

"Whilst en route the police helicopter made a search of the area and the PLA harbour launch commenced searching in Halfway Reach.

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"Once on scene the lifeboat commenced searching, and during this, further information was received that the call was in fact a confirmed hoax.

"With this information the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station."

Supporters of the lifeboat charity slammed the foolish pranksters.

Arron Balcombe said on Facebook: "People obviously think it's funny and have nothing better to do with their time. Let's hope they don't need you for real one day."