Students who stirred armed police into action when they were filming a mock advert for their media course have apologised for what happened.
Police responded after reports were received that two men brandishing weapons were running about at a property in East Hill.
But when the officers arrived they discovered the guns were fake.
Kati Vardon, spokeswoman for Colchester Institute, said: "They had gone out to film a TV advert, which sadly involved the use of toy guns.
"There are guidelines provided to students about how to deal with sensitive issues.
"This is something they shouldn't have done."
She said the students - who were not charged by police following the incident - had apologised to the police and the college for their actions.
Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003
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