 Seven police vehicles surrounded the car |
Police in West Yorkshire are warning of the dangers of replica firearms after armed officers tailed and stopped a group of students "making a film". A police helicopter, seven police cars and a dog patrol were brought in for what turned out to be students working on a media course.
The group had produced replica firearms at the Arndale Centre in Crossgates, Leeds, but had not informed the police.
The group were released after explaining their actions to officers.
Gangster film
The students - Graham Gallery, 19, Christian Blyth aged 24, and 20-year-old Alex Eamonson - are all on a multi-media technology course at Leeds Metropolitan University.
They told BBC News Online that they were making what was supposed to be a trailer for a gangster film at about 1930 GMT on Tuesday near the Arndale Centre in Crossgates.
"Unfortunately we happened to be near a bank," said Mr Blyth.
"We later saw a couple of police cars following us but didn't think much of it at first."
Toy shop
In Woodhouse Lane, the students were ordered out of their Ford Fiesta and made to lie on the ground before being handcuffed.
Inspector Paul Brook of Killingbeck police station said the incident could have had serious consequences.
"You have to treat them (reports) as if the firearms were real...and it's proved these were toys.
"It just goes to show how serious such incidents can be.
"The implications - had they come out brandishing these weapons - albeit they were false, is not worthy of an explanation".
Home
BBC NEWS CHANNEL
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
