Police were called to investigate reports of torchlight in a remote Notts field – only to find two teenage boys playing Pokemon Go on their smartphones.
It is the latest in a series of bizarre incidents linked to the super-viral game, which allows players to ‘catch’ characters in real-life locations.
Notts Police say officers were called to investigate what people in Normanton-on-Soar thought were shady characters roaming the area with torches in the early hours of Tuesday.
Suspecting they may be criminals owing to the unusual location and time of night, police responded on blue lights and sirens – but found the two boys in the field playing the game.
Detective Inspector Pete Quinn said: “We ask that people take a moment to think about their surroundings to make sure they are safe and consider how their actions could cause distress to more vulnerable members of our communities.”
Several people have been injured while chasing Pokemon only they can see through their smartphone screens while playing the game and Notts Police has already warned gamers about staying safe.
After Tuesday’s incident police are also asking parents to warn children about the dangers of meeting people they have met while playing games online, or taking part in games which require them to travel to unfamiliar surroundings.
Det Insp Quinn added: “We absolutely do not want to discourage anyone from enjoying either this or any other social media safely, we just want them to take the opportunity to take a moment to think about their own personal safety.
“The risks that this app presents are not new or unique and, as with any other social media, there is always the potential to put yourself at risk by letting your guard down and coming into contact with people you don’t know – both online and in the real world.”
Pokemon Go has already been downloaded millions of times in the UK since its release here on Thursday and has proved a massive hit in other countries.
More information and advice about safety online is on the Notts Police website.
