An 8-year-old boy in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, phoned police to ask for toilet paper, Guangzhou Daily reported on Thursday.

The boy was left at home alone by his parents on Oct 1 and could not find toilet paper after going to the lavatory.

He phoned the police hotline on 110, saying his parents were out and he needed toilet paper.

The policewoman who answered the call was initially left speechless before contacting officers patrolling near the boy's home.

Police then contacted the boy's parents, telling them to return home to take care of him.