A flashmob meant as a bit of holiday fun on Spain's Costa Brava turned ugly yesterday after crowds mistook the stunt for a terrorist attack.
People screamed and fled the scene on Platja d'Oro's promenade in panic after a group of approximately 200 German tourists pretending to be paparazzi began shouting while chasing an imaginary celebrity.
But when people dining at the various seaside restaurants mistook the flashmob's cameras for weapons, widespread panic broke out. Tables were turned and chairs went flying as people scrambled to get away from what they thought was an impending terrorist attack.
Eleven people were treated for minor injuries, anxiety attacks and heart palpitations, with at least two hospitalised, police said.
Five German women, aged between 20 and 25, were arrested and accused of involvement in the stunt, the force added. They were charged with public order offences and will appear in court later on Wednesday.