'Please don't': Halton police issue warning over 'Assassins Game'

Halton Regional Police are warning high school students about a trend they fear is making a comeback.

The force issued a "warning" Tuesday on social media.

"We heard the 'Assassins Game' may be coming back. Please don't. It's dangerous. Instead, do your homework and go to bed early. Probably just as fun," police said in a tweet.

The so-called game, apparently popular among local high school students, sees players try to eliminate each other using mock weapons in an effort to become the last surviving player.

Game play occurs at all hours and in all places unless otherwise specified in the rules.

In the past several years, Halton police have been called to multiple incidents in Oakville and other areas for reports of teens running around with weapons, which turned out to be youths involved in the game using water guns or other fake weaponry.

Due to the nature of the call, police said, there have been instances where tactical officers are called out due to the report of a possible gun.

"The incidents can cause public distress and garner an elevated police response," police said Tuesday (May 3). "Especially when the guns used resemble the appearance of a real firearm."