Armed PSNI officers surround car - only to discover it was a false alarm
One of the PSNI’s armed response teams was summoned to a vehicle in response to a firearm being spotted.
But it turned out the firearm in question was an airsoft gun – the type that shoots plastic BBs.
The PSNI have issued a warning to the public to avoid repeats of such incidents.
The false alarm unfolded somewhere in Mid Ulster; the PSNI have not said where.
The news emerged when officers posted details on Facebook today.
They said that “on 11 August, armed response officers attended a report that a firearm was inside a vehicle”.
"Officers quickly located the vehicle and saw what appeared to be a firearm on the passenger seat,” the statement added.
"The occupants were found nearby and stopped by police.
"The item was confirmed to be an airsoft gun.
"Enquiries are continuing to establish its power level, and officers will be providing advice and education about the safe and responsible use of airsoft guns.
"If you own an airsoft gun, never carry or display it in public.
"It can cause alarm and may be mistaken for a real firearm, resulting in a significant police response.”