Norwich ‘gunman’ fundraiser in fancy dress

Only in Norwich


Police have revealed that a man thought to have been carrying a gun through Norwich city centre was actually a fundraiser in fancy dress.

Panic ensued this morning when the man dressed in combat fatigues and carrying an imitation firearm was spotted walking in the Whitefriars area of the city at around 8:30am.

Police scrambled an armed response team and launched a police helicopter in response to reports of the “gunman”, while officers issued a picture and a police appeal.

But the officers stood down when they found the young man who was in fancy dress – but not before giving him “strong words of advice” regarding the consequences of his actions.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks said: “This is the second similar high profile incident which has taken place in the last month.

“We would like to remind people to think carefully about the consequences of carrying imitation weapons and of their general appearance which, as in this case, could be misconstrued by other members of the public… Public safety will always be our priority when dealing with such incidents.

“Imitation weapons should not be used, or left, in public view.”