A serene yoga class turned into a bizarre case of mistaken identity when it was erroneously reported as a “ritual mass murder” scene by concerned members of the public. On Wednesday night, five police cars descended upon the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, following the alarming call.
Yoga instructor Millie Laws, 22, was leading a group of seven students at the Seascape Cafe, housed within the North Sea Observatory when the incident unfolded. During the Shavasana, or relaxation phase of the class, two curious dog walkers peered through the glass window.
Describing the unusual encounter, Laws said, “They’re [the students] laying down with blankets over them, their eyes are closed. It’s very dark in there. I just had candles and little tea lights lit the whole room, and I was just walking around playing my drum. I had a nice floaty top on with large bell sleeves.”
She continued, “A couple with some dogs just came up to the window and were having a look in, but they walked off really quickly, and I didn’t think anything of it.”
It was only later that Laws learned that the passersby had reported a “mass murderer” dressed in a robe walking over what appeared to be lifeless bodies. From their perspective, the peaceful yoga class resembled a sinister ritual.
“I guess from the outside view it could look like that, because they’re all really still, very nice and relaxed,” Laws remarked.
Despite the unexpected police intervention, Laws maintained a light-hearted perspective on the situation, acknowledging the fear that the caller might have experienced. She also emphasized the humorous aspect of the mix-up.
The management of Seascape Cafe sought to reassure residents and expressed gratitude to the police for their swift response. In a Facebook post, they clarified the situation, saying, “If anyone heard the mass of police sirens in Chapel St Leonards at 9.30 pm last night, then please be reassured. They were on their way to the Observatory after someone had reported a mass killing in our building, having seen several people laying on the floor… which actually turned out to be the yoga class in meditation.”
Acknowledging the incident’s positive outcome, the post continued, “Thank you to Lincolnshire Police for their prompt response. I can’t imagine for one moment what would have been going through their minds on the way.”
The cafe stressed that their yoga classes were not affiliated with any unusual groups and expressed their overall appreciation for how the situation was handled.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that the call was made with “good intentions” and stated, “A call was made following concerns for the occupants of the North Sea Observatory, at Chapel St Leonards. Officers attended, and we’re happy to report everyone was safe and well.”
