Man in fake uniform fired blank rounds at police

Hari Mann had painted a blank firing weapon black to make it appear more realistic

A man who wore a fake police uniform and fired blank rounds at police has been jailed.

Armed police were called after Hari Mann threatened people with what appeared to be a handgun in a pub car park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, on 4 June.

The 26-year-old confronted officers and fired shots at them - but these were recognised as blanks and he was arrested shortly after.

After admitting a series of offences including possession of an imitation firearm at Leicester Crown Court, he was jailed on Friday for three years.

Police searched three vehicles and a property linked to Mann

After his arrest, Mann also assaulted a nurse, according to Leicestershire Police.

Concerns over a van he had left at the pub led to several nearby properties being evacuated as a precaution.

Officers said they also searched a property in Lancaster Place and found another firearm, further items of police-style uniform and handcuffs.

Two cars – a Ford Mustang and Ford C-Max – also linked to Mann were located and found to contain sirens and blue light equipment.

In October, Mann, of Lancaster Place in Leicester, pleaded guilty to:

• Six counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

• One count of modifying an imitation firearm

• One count of impersonating a police officer

• One count of assault of an emergency worker

Det Insp Hazel Sandall said: "This was an incident that resulted in a fast-paced policing response and had a significant impact on the local community.

"The first report to our control room was made at 9.57am and Mann was arrested at 10.15am.

"Thanks to the quick reactions of our call handlers and firearms officers, he was detained before he was able to cause physical harm to anyone."