Police have issued a verbal warning to an eight-year-old boy over a false report about a hill fire breaking out.

Officers received a report yesterday afternoon alleging a hill fire in Pat Sin Leng had trapped 25 teachers and students.

But officers dispatched to the scene couldn't locate anyone or the blaze.

An eight-year-old boy then turned himself in at a police station last night, admitting to making the false report to the 999 emergency call centre.

Officers issued a verbal warning to the boy, who was subsequently released.