Gamers are using Grand Theft Auto to roleplay as Merseyside Police in a bizarre social media game that references real-life Liverpool areas.
The online clique, known as Liverpool Roleplay Community, act out major incidents in the game and tweet about them in a similar fashion to real police officers and branches of the force, as well as firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
Countless accounts are linked to the community including one which emulates the well-known Matrix team.
Although each account states clearly in their Twitter bio that they are not connected to the force, a number of people have been left startled by the realistic looking tweets, graphics and serious incidents they discuss.
In one tweet, an account called Liverpool RPC MFRS tweeted out a number of images, which at first look exactly like those which are often tweeted by Merseyside Police, along with a tweet that details a "serious incident" at "LJ Airport" and states that all flights have been suspended.
The tweet says: "Appliances from City Centre and Kirkdale are currently in attendance along with @LRPC_Firearms @LRPC_RPU @LRPC_Response at a Serious Incident at LJ Airport.
"It is advised that everyone stays away from the airport during this incident.
"All flights have been suspended at this time."
Another tweet from LRPC - Matrix Roads Policing Unit said: "Currently a road closure on Brouge Avenue and Carson in South Liverpool due to a bus RTC.
"Tramlines have also been shut so we can work. Please use alternative routes. #LRPC"
The community also has users who post as "high ranking" police officers.
One tweeted: "This evening was called to an HGV with a PG9 active on the vehicle in the northern motorway area.
"Decides not to stop for us, decamps and steals a Harley Davidson. Area search and enquiries on-going. #LRPC"
Merseyside Police have now issued advice to Twitter users over the accounts.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We can confirm that officers are aware of Twitter accounts under the name Liverpool Roleplay Community, which post details of fictional police incidents as part of online gaming.
"Although clearly not Merseyside Police accounts and not committing any criminal offences, we would like to remind members of the public that the force’s corporate Twitter account (@MerseyPolice) has a blue tick, joined Twitter in April 2009 and has more than 140,000 followers.
"Any similar account without this information should be ignored and details of any genuine police incidents will always be confirmed via this account and our other social media platforms."
