A commotion unfolded on a serene street as numerous armed police officers arrived at a residence in response to reports of gunshots and cries of “I’ve been shot” from a neighbor. However, the situation turned out to be a false alarm.
Concerned by the sounds, a resident in Ferring, near Colchester, Essex, dialed 999, fearing a serious incident in the village. The response was swift, with armed officers, ambulances, and even an air ambulance descending on the quiet street around 3:30 pm on Saturday, April 18, following suspicions of a shooting incident.
Contrary to expectations, the officers did not encounter any firearms or injuries at the scene. Instead, they discovered that the loud noises were emanating from someone deeply engrossed in playing the video game “Call of Duty” with a new sound system.
Images captured at the scene depicted several police vehicles parked on the village road, with about a dozen officers, some armed and one carrying a chainsaw, making their way to the residence. Despite the initial tension, authorities swiftly confirmed the absence of weapons and injuries.
The realistic gunfire sounds and loud shouting from the game triggered a nearby resident to alert the authorities, leading to a full emergency response, as reported by Your Southend.
A spokesperson from Essex Police stated, “We were contacted with concerns regarding a potential firearm injury at an address in Sherwood Way around 3:35 pm on Saturday, April 18. Armed officers promptly responded to the scene, supported by emergency services, and confirmed the absence of firearms and injuries.”
Notably, the call to emergency services was made with good intentions, as emphasized by Essex Police. The armed response unit of Essex Police has been involved in approximately 14,000 incidents in 2025, resulting in the arrest of 336 individuals.
This incident is not unique, as a similar misunderstanding occurred in the past when armed police rushed to Hussar’s Coffee House in Hampton Wick, southwest London, mistaking prop guns used for filming as real weapons.
In that instance, actors, crew members, and makeup artists were filming when three police officers arrived with firearms, interrupting the production. The Metropolitan Police clarified that it was a film production, with no offenses disclosed.
Overall, these incidents highlight the importance of accurate communication and awareness to prevent unnecessary alarm and ensure public safety.