Resident Evil cosplayer mistaken for criminal, arrested in the UK

A 16-year-old cosplayer in the UK was arrested after being mistaken for a threat while dressed as Hunk, a masked character from the Resident Evil video game series. The teen was carrying a prop replica of an MP5 submachine gun, part of the character’s signature look, which included a gas mask and a jacket bearing the Umbrella Corporation logo—a clear nod to the game for those familiar with it.

Despite the weapon being a non-functional imitation with an orange safety tip—a common feature to distinguish toy or cosplay weapons—onlookers were alarmed. Witnesses reported a “man with a gun” approaching a crowded area in Fulham Broadway, prompting police to respond.

Officers arrived and tackled the teen to the ground, taking him into custody. A police spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying:

“A 16-year-old boy remains in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm. The arrest occurred at 14:41hrs on Saturday, 30 August, after officers received information about a boy displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area. No one was injured in the incident.”

Although the weapon was quickly identified as fake, the teen is still in custody, and legal consequences may follow depending on how realistic the imitation is deemed.

UK law states it is an offence to possess an imitation firearm in a public place without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority. Furthermore, it is illegal for individuals under 18 to own or purchase realistic-looking imitation firearms.

The law defines such items as:

“Anything which has the appearance of being a firearm, whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet, or other missile.”

While some replica weapons, like BB guns, are legal depending on their appearance and power, realistic props can still lead to arrest—even if they can’t actually fire.

If police deem the orange-tipped MP5 too realistic, the teen may face criminal charges despite the cosplay context.