A terrorised Dundee pensioner called the police for help after being threatened and abused by children outside his home, only to be told that his street did not exist.
John Reid, 69, said he was verbally abused and challenged to fight by about a dozen unruly teenagers behind his Hilltown home.
When Mr Reid phoned the police in search of assistance, he claimed the operator told him Main Street, where he lives, did not even exist.
Mr Reid persuaded the police official that his home certainly was on the map and was told that police officers would attend.
He then waited for 90 nervous minutes for the children to leave.
The former gas technician said the children had even been shouting “Why are we waiting?” as they waited for the police to appear.
He then told the force not to bother turning out and said he sees little point in calling for help in the future.
Mr Reid told how the incidents happen regularly in the area and, on the night in question, about 12 youths were “making a racket” outside.
He said: “On seeing me, they started to make signs and challenged me down to fight. I said I would phone the police. I got a barrage of abuse and was told ‘bring it on’.”
He dialled 101 to alert the authorities and to give his details.
Mr Reid said: “He told me there was no Main Street, and I said ‘there certainly is, it’s just off Dens Road’.
A police spokesman declined to comment on the claim that the control room did not know of Dundee’s Main Street.
He said: “Police Scotland received a report of concern regarding the behaviour of youths in the area of Main Street, Dundee, at about 9pm on Tuesday June 2.
“Following discussion regarding the circumstances with the person reporting, the local community wardens for the area were contacted to attend.
“Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour in our communities to Police Scotland on 101.”