STUDENTS who inadvertently sparked a gun alert when they filmed a skit about armed robbery on a Bolton estate have now published their finished comedy short.

Peshko Rahim, aged 23, Nicolay Armando, aged 22, and a third friend, who all study media production at the University of Bolton, were using an iPhone to shoot scenes near flats at Thornbank North, off Fern Road, Deane, on April 20 when a neighbour spotted the BB firearm prop and called 999.

Armed response units turned out and officers quickly realised it was a big misunderstanding — with Mr Rahim and Mr Armando later apologising through The Bolton News to residents, the police and the university for their naivety and the disruption.

Mr Rahim said: "We are quite happy with the final result, because like everyone knows we got few issues during the recording day.

"However, at the end of the day we have delivered the message in a funny and realistic way, which was our goal.

"Also, everyone can see that even using the fake gun in a public place does not make our film violent, but after the uncomfortable situation we went through, we deeply advise anyone who want make a video with any type of firearm to only do it with permission of police officers.

“We would also advise that people make sure that everyone around you must understand that you are recording a film and that they are safe.

“Nevertheless, many of our friends have texted to say that they had a good laugh at the film, which makes us glad and gives us the motivation to keep doing more funny videos about Papi.”

The trio have now released the episode, based on a Latin American character called Papi, and the clip can be seen here

Please note that the video contains swearing and material that some readers may find offensive.