Police in England have been criticised after sharing an appeal for witnesses following the theft of a beach towel.
In a bizarre social media post, Northumbria Police shared a link on Facebook reading: “Beach towel stolen… Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of a beach towel.”
Followers were quick to comment on the ludicrousy of the ‘police matter’ and accused the force of winding up the public.
One Facebook user commented: "This must be a wind up. If it's not, can't believe the police haven't anything better to do!"
Another fumed: “Are you kidding me? The cost of the beach towel will be probably 50% of the wages it took to put this message on the Internet."
A Facebook page has even been set up, jokingly appealing for those with information about the towel to come forward.
They pleaded with followers: “Keep an eye on your buckets and spades!”
The beach towel was reportedly stolen on Sunday, July 12 between 4pm and 5pm on Longsands Beach in Tynemouth.
It was reportedly dark blue in colour with ‘DRYROBE’ emblazoned in red and white.
Do you think this appeal was a waste of police time? Let is know on Facebook and Twitter.