'Ditch fall' search woman arrested

A woman who sparked a five-day police search after claiming she had fallen down a ditch has been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time, detectives said today.

Tracy Gough, 29, called police from her mobile phone on the evening of 8 August and said she was trapped down a hole in Cockshutt, near Ellesmere, Shropshire.

A search involving a helicopter, police dogs and more than 40 officers was called off five days later when Ms Gough walked into the A&E department at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Speaking at the time, West Mercia Police said she was in good health but was confused and unsure where she had been.

A force spokesman said today: "A woman was arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of wasting police time.

"The matter is still under investigation and the woman is currently on police bail pending further inquiries."

Ms Gough told police during her distress call that she was injured and trapped down a hole.

Her mobile phone battery ran out after 20 minutes and police were unable to contact her again.

A number of public appeals were made, including one from her worried parents, John and Mary Gough.

Ms Gough, from Ludlow, was described by police as a high-risk missing person who was on medication.