Police say water gun assassins could cause genuine fear

A GROUP of Londoners are taking part in a giant role-playing game where people roam the city looking to shoot each other with water pistols, despite contestants being warned they could be committing criminal offences or spark panic on the Underground.

The “Street Wars” game, which began on Tuesday, is described on its website as a “three-week long, 24/7, water gun assassination tournament”.

Ahead of the competition, British Transport Police (BTP) issued a strongly-worded warning about the dangers of participating, branding those who were considering getting involved as “irresponsible”.

The force drew attention to the terrorist bombings in London last July and warned that the sight of people brandishing water guns that looked like real firearms could cause “genuine fear” and lead to the deployment of armed police.

“The transport system is not the place for this sort of activity,” Superintendent Bob Pacey said.

BTP said it was advising all contestants not to enter the London Underground.

“Calls to the police may lead to disruption to services and the deployment of armed officers. Any offences committed will be treated seriously.”

According to the StreetWars website, the tournament has already taken place in New York City, Vancouver, Vienna, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Contestants are supplied with a picture of their intended target, their name, home and work address and contact information.

The website says: “Upon receipt of these items, your (or your team’s) mission is to find and kill (by way of water gun, water balloon or super soaker) your target(s).

“You can hunt your target down any way you see fit; you can pose as a delivery person and jack them when they open the door, disguise yourself and take them out on the street, etc.”

Whoever successfully shoots their target then inherits their target and so on until someone retrieves the envelope with their, or their team’s picture inside.

As of yesterday, 14 ‘kills’ had been recorded, prompting organiser ‘Supreme Commander’ to write: “Seriously, this number of kills is truly commendable. No other place has taken to wetting as fast and with such vigor as you have... I tip my (water) gun to you.”

The website says around 150 people took part last year, with a cash prize of around $500 (€393).

Scotland Yard has also warned about the potential risks of the event and said it could result in the deployment of armed officers.