‘Senior assassin’ trend prompts multiple weapons calls to London police

Water pistols in the hands of young people (Kirill Ikonnikov/Getty Images)

London police have issued a caution to parents following a rash of senior pranks that have caused some concerned citizens to call emergency services.

The so called ‘Senior Assassin’ social media trend has seen several reports of youth carrying what appear to be firearms throughout the last week at locations across London.

The game involves graduating high school students seeking each other out with water or Nerf guns, typically in public settings during daylight hours.

Police say that several reports to 9-1-1 have been filed by concerned citizens believing the youth are armed with real firearms, unaware of the game being played.

“Some of the toy guns we have located on the youth playing the game have been very realistic and resembled real firearms”, cautioned Inspector Pete Testa, head of the LPS Community Mobilization and Support Branch. “Our officers respond to firearm related calls that involve the use of both real and imitation firearms, as such they treat every call as though the gun is real.”

Along with emergency responses being summoned to a non-emergency, young people found to be engaging in this kind of play can face criminal charges in extreme cases.

“Calls involving any type of firearm elevate our officer’s response as it creates a great concern for not only public safety, but our officer’s safety as well,” said Pesta. “At the end of the day, we want to ensure that no one gets hurt.”

Police encourage parents and guardians to speak with their teens and educate them about the possible risks and consequences that they can face if they have an imitation firearm on their person.