National Police Air Service crew look like silly billies after investigating 999 call from member of public describing screams coming from Cheddar Gorge

A police helicopter went on a 40-mile round trip after reports of a cry for help – only to discover it was a goat and her kid.

A member of the public dialled 999, saying they heard screams for help inside Cheddar Gorge, Somerset.

The National Police Air Service helicopter, which is fitted with video-imaging equipment, was scrambled to the popular tourist attraction from its base at Filton near Bristol, 20 miles away.

But, within minutes of arriving over the scene on Wednesday, the crew realised the sounds were coming from a goat and her offspring.

The National Police Air Service, tweeted from its NPAS Filton account: “1205 Cheddar Gorge reports of cries for help. We located a goat and her baby believed responsible for the calling. We’re not kidding!”

An Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman said: “We had a call on March 4 at 11.08am. The caller reported hearing cries from the cliffs. Any concern for welfare is taken very seriously, particularly in areas where walkers can fall and injure themselves.

“Our search and rescue team were in the area and checked the cliffs using video and thermal imaging. We couldn’t find anyone in distress. However, there were a number of goats on the cliffs and it is possible the member of public misheard.