A couple larking about in fancy dress costumes, with a toy gun, sparked a major police alert.
The force helicopter was sent up and armed officers deployed.
The couple were traced three hours later, unaware of the panic they had caused as they tried on the costumes they were to wear to a party that evening.
The major operation in Billericay was launched at about 12.25pm on Saturday.
A woman phoned police saying she had seen a man holding a handgun to the head of a young woman at the wheel of a red Vauxhall Corsa.
The police operation quickly swung into action.
Later, Essex Police Chief Insp Tim Stokes said: "Police forces throughout the country have been warning people of the dangers of displaying imitation firearms in public places."
Mr Stokes added that the incident could have had "serious consequences".
He condemned the pair for wasting "many hours of police time".
Published Monday November 4, 2002
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