An Auckland boy has been surprised by police officers at his birthday party after he called 111 to invite them.
Counties Manukau Police released a video of the event on Facebook, beginning with five-year-old Zachary's mother apologising to police after she discovered her son had called emergency services.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry. That was my nearly five-year-old son, he was just telling me that he wanted to invite police to his police-themed fifth birthday party," she said.
"I didn't realise he was going to phone through!"
The operator taking the call accepted the apology and jokingly said she would let officers know, but didn't think they would be able to make it.
But as the video shows police were able to make it and several uniformed officers, including some in riot gear, arrived on Zachary's doorstep on the day of the party.
"Hey Zachary, we've got something for you," an officer said, handing the stunned boy a toy police dog.
Officers then led the excited children outside where they were able to play on the police cars and marvel at the eagle helicopter flying overhead to see them.
Commenters on the video were delighted at the cute display, with some even saying they were brought to tears by the video.
"That is the most awesome thing you could have done for that gorgeous boy. Brought a tear to my eye," one person wrote.
"Well done to the officers who gave up their own time. Policing at its very best," another said.
Police did warn those watching the video not to try and emulate Zachary though, ending with a short disclaimer for would be copy-cats.
"While our off-duty staff were happy to bring Zachary's birthday wish to life, we don't encourage kids calling 111 to invite police to their birthday."
Newshub.
