Replica guns put film-makers at shooting risk

In recent months Strathclyde Police have twice dispatched armed response units after alarmed members of the public reported seeing gunmen on the streets. On both occasions officers were confronted by apologetic movie-makers who were filming action scenes.

The force has issued an extraordinary warning to film crews, claiming that unauthorised dramas involving fake guns could lead to real bullets being fired.

Inspector John Hunter said: "Our firearms officers are highly trained to make split-second decisions under extreme pressure, but we cannot dismiss the possibility that one of these decisions may end in tragedy.

"Nowadays members of the public are extremely vigilant and it is almost impossible to tell the difference between a replica and a real firearm without close examination. Police officers have to approach these incidents on the assumption that the gun is real."

The Force Planning and Coordination official also claimed there was a danger that directors could find themselves in front of a sheriff rather than behind a camera.

He said: "Anyone in possession of a firearm in a public place, or anything which has the appearance of a firearm, in a manner which causes alarm, may be guilty of an offence.

"As such we want to urge any actors, film-makers or media students to make police aware before any filming of this nature. As well as being potentially dangerous and illegal, it is also extremely alarming for members of the public to witness this on our streets."

It is believed the scares were triggered by student film-makers recording amateur productions in Glasgow city centre. Hunter said: "On both occasions, an armed response vehicle was sent to the scene and filming was halted immediately.

"I'm sure I do not need to stress the grave concern which this caused to officers as up until the moment they arrived on the scene they were under the assumption they were dealing with a legitimate firearm incident."

A spokesman for the Glasgow Film Office confirmed it had been in discussions with the force following the false alarms. He said: "The police didn't know they weren't for real and treated the incidents like a full-scale emergency.

"Similarly, the people who raised the alarm clearly thought these individuals were brandishing genuine guns.

"We are actively urging filmmakers to contact the police before they film, especially if there are fight scenes or scenes featuring replica guns."

The national film agency Scottish Screen stressed it worked with police forces across the country to ensure that the legislation surrounding filming and firearms was adhered to.

A spokeswoman said: "There are specific guidelines which are published on our website about the use of replica firearms. Film-makers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the general public."

Films that involve violence and which have been legitimately shot in Scotland's biggest city in recent years include the gory sci-fi horror Doomsday, gritty thrillers Red Road and Sweet Sixteen and the Ewan McGregor murder mystery Young Adam.