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A dangerous “swatting” prank call, which has targeted celebrity homes south of the border, has now occurred in an Ontario cottage country community.

Ontario Provincial Police say an emergency call in Grey County that provoked a significant law enforcement response Thursday afternoon was determined to be a deliberately false report.

OPP said, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the Grey Bruce detachment received information from a crisis support service advising they had been speaking with an individual who reported that someone inside a residence was in crisis.

“During the call, the helpline worker believed they heard what sounded like gunshots in the background,” police said in a statement.

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Officers rushed to residence

Due to that information, police said officers rushed to a residence on Denmark St. in Meaford, 34 kilometres west of Collingwood, and established a containment area.

Additional police resources were deployed to ensure public safety, cops added.

A social media notification advising residents of a significant police presence in the area was also issued by the OPP.

“Through the investigation, officers determined that the reported emergency was unfounded,” police said.

The OPP confirmed the incident was a “swatting” call and officers cleared the area at around 7 p.m.

“Swatting” calls are fake reports of a crisis situation meant to elicit a large police response at a specific location.

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Celebrities have been victims

Hollywood celebrities who have been victims of the bogus 911 reports in recent years include Canadian pop star Justin Bieber , movie icon Tom Cruise, actor Ashton Kutcher, and singer Miley Cyrus.

“These incidents are treated seriously due to the risks they create for the public, emergency responders, and the individuals at the targeted location,” the OPP said.

“Once a false emergency call is placed, emergency resources responding to that incident are unavailable to assist with legitimate emergencies elsewhere in the community. These calls divert critical emergency resources and cause unnecessary alarm, disruption, and stress within our community.”

It is a criminal offence to place a false call to report an emergency, and individuals responsible for making such reports may face charges.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.