ARMED cops converged on an Auchinleck street last week.

They had been told there was man with a weapon in a house in Arran Drive.

But the whole thing was a HOAX - and now emergency services warn that such calls can cost lives.

It was the second such incident in the street in just over a week.

Arran Drive was brought to standstill on April 3 when two fire crews and police officers responded to reports that a property had been petrol-bombed.

However on arrival there was no sign of any fire and, although the mobile number was traced, enquiries are on-going.

Then, on Friday April 11, ARMED cops were forced to attend another house following false reports about the owner.

Twitter and social media sites were full of unsubstantiated gossip which all stemmed from a simple phone call that the man was carrying a weapon.

A police spokesperson said: “If there is any call of this nature, we have to send police officers out. It is always very frustrating for us when it is hoax.

“The gentleman in the property had nothing to do with it but this could have caused him and others alarm.

“It is our time that is being wasted and it only takes a minute to cost a life.” Fire Service Watch Manager Alan Coughtrie said: “Thankfully hoax callers have become rarer over the years so we hope these are not repeated as they are very frustrating.

“You are putting lives at risk and causing real disruption to people. When we are out on a hoax it takes two or three crews away from a potentially-serious incident where resources are actually needed.

“I’d urge people to think before they make these calls.” If you have information on either incident contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.