A police force has fielded hundreds of spurious calls to its non-emergency hotline including reports of loud ice cream van chimes and a bird falling from a tree.

West Midlands Police said that the 101 number has been used by some members of the public as a "general directory service" posing questions that could easily be solved by an internet search.

Complaints received by West Midlands 101 call centre include:

In the last month, the centre has received calls about:

Police advise the proper use of 101 includes reporting car theft, damaged property or suspected drug dealing in the area.

Demand on the 101 services peaked in July over the last three years due to anti-social behaviour, rowdy summer parties, domestic abuse and alcohol-related incidents.

Head of force contact Chief Superintendent Jim Andronov said: "The 101 number provides a vital service for people to contact us for non-emergency matters - but some people treat it as a general directory service.

"We take literally hundreds of spurious calls a month.

"These take up valuable police time and delay us dealing with genuine police matters. Many of the queries could be resolved with a simple internet search so our message is: Think before you call."