'Lifelike' mannequin mistaken for tied-up body

Police have launched an investigation after officers responded to reports of a body being found, only to discover the figure was a mannequin.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was called to reports of the body of a man being found on a bridge near New Road in Hythe at about 22:25 BST on Friday.

When officers responded, the force said it "became clear" the body was in fact that of a mannequin.

The figure was also found with its hands tied up and a bag over its head.

"This caused a lot of distress to members of the public who saw this, due to how lifelike the mannequin was," a police spokesperson said.

A total of 14 emergency services personnel had "needlessly" responded to the incident, they added.

Anyone with information about who may have staged the incident is urged to contact the force.

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