A HOAX call about a kidnapping prompted police to dispatch a helicopter, armed police and a dog unit.
A 12-year-old girl was later arrested and issued with a warning for wasting police time after the incident on May 18.
The child phoned police at 3.25pm, claiming she had been kidnapped.
The Met also called officers in from outside the borough to help search properties in Crescent Road, Beresford Road, Station Road and many others in Chingford late into the night until they eventually found the girl.
A police spokeswoman said a "considerable" number of officers took part in the operation.
She added: "It is disappointing when considerable police resources are deployed to ensure the safety of an individual, we subsequently find that the call was a hoax.
"In real terms, this means a delay to members of the public who genuinely required the services of police."
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