POLICE have confirmed they're investigating a text message which prompted villagers to launch a hunt for a missing child and led to the police helicopter being scrambled. It is believed the text was a cruel hoax.

Residents in Aylburton and Alvinton received a text reading: '4 year old Maisy Kiddy has been missing since half 6 this evening in Aylburton wearing blue jumper, yellow shoes and pink joggers. Please don't untick anyone. We are hoping for the best?? Pass this on as if it was your family, you would want to find them asap'.