A Shropshire woman, who sparked a major search after she called police to say she had fallen down a ditch, has been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time.

A major hunt was launched for 29-year-old Ludlow woman Tracy Gough last month after she called police on her mobile saying she had hurt herself in a fall and was trapped in a ditch.

But five days later, Miss Gough walked into the accident and emergency department at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford seemingly uninjured.

Officers said although she was confused, she had appeared to be in good health.

But Richard Ewels, police spokesman, today said: “A woman has been arrested in relation to this incident on suspicion of wasting police time and it remains under investigation.

“She is currently on bail pending further investigation.”

There was serious concern for Miss Gough’s safety following her desperate phone call just before 10pm on August 8.

She thought she might be in the Cockshutt area of north Shropshire and triangulation checks on her mobile phone also indicated this was the general location.

Music was detectable in the background of the phone call which was possibly from an outdoor source.

More than 40 officers, including the West Mercia Police helicopter and dog handlers, were involved in the initial search and a large number of officers continued to make extensive inquiries.

More than 30 calls were received in response to appeals for information and possible sightings including a number of sightings in pubs.

Previously, staff at the Bridgewater Arms, in Harmer Hill, said they believed they saw her the day after she disappeared.

At the time, Miss Gough’s parents, John and Mary Gough from Craven Arms, made an emotional appeal for help from the public in searching for their daughter and to Miss Gough herself.

Miss Gough’s parents were not available for comment this morning.

By Sophie Bignall