Ghosts, aliens, witches and zombies were just some of the unearthly creatures referenced in calls to Suffolk Constabulary last year, new data reveals.

As Halloween approaches, many will be stockpiling treats, carving frightful designs into pumpkins and donning their creepiest costumes in preparation for the spookiest night of the year.

But while normal life resumes for most on November 1, the emergency services continue to receive ‘spooky’ calls all year round.

A Freedom of Information request by this newspaper revealed that between September 2017 and September 2018, the force received at least 29 reports concerning supernatural beings – including ghosts, witches, aliens, zombies, angels and monsters.

Suspected celestial encounters sparked the most calls, with eight incidents concerning angels reported to police, while ghosts took second place – with seven calls recorded.

Meanwhile, aliens were mentioned in six calls to Suffolk police, four reports cited monsters, and witches and zombies were referenced in two calls each.

It is not clear in each case whether the call was made with genuine concern or malicious intent.

In response to the figures, a spokeswoman for Suffolk police urged all residents to think first before calling the emergency line.

“Time and resources are very valuable to the police and we would urge people to think carefully about making the right call to us on 101 or in an emergency on 999,” she said.

“To report non-urgent matters or to gain crime prevention advice, visit our website www.suffolk.police.uk”