Fifty Shades Of Grey bondage crisis calls to 999 'a concern' for firefighters

Bondage exploits inspired by the Fifty Shades Of Grey film could trigger a sharp rise in 999 calls from people stuck in kinky gear, it is feared.

The Hollywood screen version of the best-selling novel hits screens on 13 February and firefighters fear call outs to amorous mishaps involving handcuffs and chains may strain services.

Viewers inspired by the steamy antics of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey could end up embarrassed if they need emergency help to escape a bondage device, London Fire Brigade (LFB) warned.

"The Fifty Shades effect seems to spike handcuff incidents so we hope film-goers will use common sense and avoid leaving themselves red-faced. I'd like to remind everyone that 999 is an emergency number and should only be used as such," said spokesman Dave Brown.

Firefighters regularly feature in visions of fantasy figures, but a visit from a crew with a set of metal cutters risks killing the romance.

On average, fire crews get one call for help a day from someone caught in an embarrassing bind, at a cost of nearly £300 per call out.

Since 2007, sex-related injuries have doubled with a spike in incidents around the time Fifty Shades Of Grey became a publishing phenomenon - although any link between the two is unproven.

Millions of readers have enjoyed the book by EL James which has been described as "mummy porn".