Warnings about dolls being left in car seats at the side of the road, as a trap by muggers, are incorrect and should be ignored, according to police.

A police spokesperson said the force had received a number of calls from people worried about text messages and Facebook messages they had received.

These had warned drivers to be on their guard, as dolls were allegedly being left on the side of rural roads, as a way of fooling drivers into stopping.

According to the message, if people stopped to investigate they would be attacked and robbed. One version said that a woman in Marazion had been raped as a result of stopping.

However, a police spokesperson said: “These claims have no basis in fact and should be ignored. Police would like to stress that no such incidents have occurred in Devon and Cornwall. This is a widely circulated internet scam, which serves only to spread unnecessary fear and alarm.

“If you receive this message please take a moment to inform the sender that it is a hoax and do not forward it to others.”