Reports of gunman likely a hoax
REPORTS of a gunman holed up in a Grove Street apartment last night were most likely a hoax or a prank call.
More than 20 police and two dog squad units assembled near the Cairns Junior Choral Society’s building, where there had been reports of a gunman held up in a residential unit.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said officers were investigating reports they received about 5.15pm of the man in the unit allegedly threatening people with a rifle, and possibly a knife.
Senior-Sergeant Duane Amos said rifle-armed police were among the units deployed to the scene, given the nature of the reported threat.
“It was a particularly quick deployment – all the resources were here within a couple of minutes.”
After securing a block of units and establishing a cordon, police determined that the reports may have been a prank.
“We challenged one particular person in the unit and we are satisfied that it was a hoax call or someone who wanted payback.”
By 7pm the officers had stood down and were debriefed.
Sen Sgt Amos said residents had been evacuated as a precaution, however there were no reports of gunshots or anyone injured in the area.
“These incidents are sporadic but this time of the year people are sensitive about not seeing friends or family - it has to be taken seriously.”