Woman dials 999 over ice cream sprinkles row Published duration 3 June 2014

image caption The woman said the vendor had 'put bits on one side and none on the other' of her ice cream

Police have released a recording of a woman who dialled 999 to request help in a row over the number of sprinkles on an ice cream.

The caller, who was not named by West Midlands Police, contacted emergency operators on Monday while arguing with the owner of an ice cream van.

During the minute-long call, the woman told the operator: "It doesn't seem like much of an emergency but it is a little bit."

Police said 999 should not be misused.

In the recording, the woman can be heard complaining about the ice cream she has been given.

media caption The un-named woman called 999 to complain about the placement of sprinkles on her ice cream

"I've ordered an ice cream and he's put bits on one side and none on the other," she said.

"He's refusing to give me my money back and saying I've got to take it like that."

Ch Supt Jim Andronov said: "If someone is trying to get through to report a genuine life-or-death emergency, then a minute is a very long time to wait.

"I cannot stress enough that the 999 number is for emergencies only."