THE makers of a top Channel 4 comedy landed in hot water after filming for a spoof comedy show - in the wrong county - brought down the wrath of Gloucestershire police.

The sketch for the hit show, Trigger Happy TV, which uses unsuspecting members of the public as stooges in Candid Camera-style sketches, led to a major police operation and a stern warning from senior officers.

Officers received a call at 11.26am on July 26 from a member of the public in Chipping Campden reporting a man dressed in a black ski mask, black woolly hat and blue and white striped top asking questions about the town's post office.

Inspector Brian Page, who responded to the call, said: "The man's behaviour was causing concern to several members of the public, some of whom were elderly and were very upset and distressed by his actions."

He added: "We have to treat any calls like this as genuine and immediately deployed officers to the scene to try to trace the suspect." Neighbouring forces were alerted and the force's helicopter was even put on stand-by.

Officers talking to witnesses in Campden realised the so-called robber was a practical joke and at 12.42pm, the force was contacted by the film company, apologising for any inconvenience.

Police were also called by Blockley residents as the film crew had been out in the village too.

One call came from Tony Davey, of Blockley Post Office, who had been contacted by an elderly resident concerned about the man asking for the post office."He rang me and was extremely concerned about it," said Mr Davey.

"He didn't find it funny, because it could have been a double bluff.

"I don't want my customers being concerned about something that's right over the top."

Mr Davey has already had a letter of apology from Channel 4, but Inspector Page remains unamused.

"This led to some members of the public being alarmed by the incident and 10 police officers being involved in responding to it, tying up police resources unnecessarily for several hours," he said.

Police now say that four people involved in the spoof have been reported for an alleged offence of disorderly conduct, causing harassment, alarm and distress to another and wasting police time.

The file will be considered by the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide if a court summons should be issued.

Steve Rosier, for Channel 4, said: "Absolutely Productions, followed all the usual procedures and obtained permission from the local police in Worcestershire." He explained that it was only while they were filming that the crew realised they were actually in Gloucestershire.

"I know Absolutely have sent out letters of apology to the police," he said.

The show is likely to be screened later this year.