A father called 999 because he wanted a lift in the rain – and police obliged.

The bizarre request took place at lunchtime on Sunday when the dad was walking along the Shoreham flyover with his children and it began to pour down.

He dialled the emergency number – meant for serious incidents such as road traffic crashes and attacks – and told officers he would complain to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex, Katy Bourne, unless they helped.

Police then decided to pick up the father and drop him at a bus stop.

A neighbourhood police officer for the area posted a Facebook message after the incident.

It said: “At 12.16pm a male dialled 999 because it was raining and he wanted a lift home.

“Threatened to complain to the PCC when he was told no.”

A Sussex Police spokesman has now told The Argus the man was given a lift.

He said: “A man rang from the Shoreham flyover to say he was stuck on foot in rain on his way home on Sunday, and wanted a lift.

“A passing police car did give him a lift off the flyover to the adjacent A283 as he had young children with him. He was then left as he was able to wait for a bus or phone for a taxi.

“Clearly 999 is for public use only in emergencies.”

A Sussex Police officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Obviously this is not why people should call 999. Honestly, he was lucky he was not dealt with for wasting police time.”

Street pastor Ian Chisnall, who unsuccessfully stood for the post of Sussex Police and Crime and Commissioner, said: “At the end of the day 999 is not the right service to use.

“It was not an emergency.

“But full credit to Sussex Police – they helped some children.”