Armed police officers were scrambled to a quiet Oxfordshire market town after reports of a potential mass shooter sent panic through the community. The incident, which unfolded on a Saturday afternoon in Bicester, saw a significant armed response to what was ultimately a catastrophic case of mistaken identity.
The subject of the terror was a 16-year-old boy who had chosen an ill-advised costume: a full outfit inspired by the video game franchise Resident Evil, complete with a disturbingly realistic-looking replica weapon.
A Terrifying Public Response
Alarmed passersby, believing they were witnessing a genuine armed threat, immediately contacted Thames Valley Police. The force, operating under the assumption of an imminent mass shooting, dispatched multiple armed units to the scene with utmost urgency.
Body-worn camera footage from the officers reveals the tense and rapid escalation. The teen, seemingly unaware of the chaos he had caused, was quickly identified and pursued by police.
The Dramatic Takedown
The video evidence shows the moment the situation reached its peak. An armed officer is seen sprinting towards the boy before launching into a full-force tackle, bringing him to the ground to be subdued and detained. The entire event was a shocking spectacle for Saturday shoppers.
Upon closer inspection, the 'firearm' was confirmed to be a harmless plastic prop, part of the character's costume. The teenager was released with no further action after it was established he had no malicious intent and was simply dressed for a themed event.
Police Statement and Aftermath
Thames Valley Police confirmed the incident, stating: "We received a report of a person in possession of a firearm and due to the nature of the incident, armed officers attended the scene. A 16-year-old boy was detained and it was found he was in possession of a fake weapon. He was released with no further action."
The event has sparked discussions about the public's heightened awareness of security threats and the immense pressure on police forces to respond decisively to reports of firearms, even when they turn out to be false alarms with tragicomic origins.
