London police speak out against concerning new trend
Police in London are urging caution as the popular “Senior Assassin” game gains traction in local secondary schools, warning that it can lead to dangerous and unintended consequences.
Officials say the game, typically played by graduating students using water guns or Nerf-style blasters to “eliminate” other participants, has already begun at several schools this year.
While often viewed as harmless fun, police say they have responded to multiple incidents in recent years where members of the public or students were mistaken for carrying real firearms. In some cases, emergency calls were triggered after imitation weapons were seen in public, prompting high-risk police responses.
Superintendent Bill Berg of the London Police Service Uniformed Division says the risks are significant.
“Our officers are required to treat every firearm-related call as real,” Berg said. “Some of the imitation guns used in this game closely resemble real firearms, and that elevates the risk for everyone involved, including the public, officers, and the youth participating.”
Police also warn that projectiles from the games have struck bystanders in previous incidents.
Authorities say carrying imitation firearms in public can result in school discipline, criminal charges, or serious injury due to misidentification.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to speak with their children about the risks, including the possibility of being mistaken for someone carrying a real weapon and the potential for police involvement.
The London Police Service is discouraging participation and asking the public to report any suspicious activity involving real or imitation weapons by calling 911.
