Police apologise for using sirens to settle 'woo-woo' or 'nee-nah' debate

North Swindon PCSOs say sorry to residents in Haydonleigh for repeatedly switching on sirens during discussion with four-year-olds

Police have apologised to local residents for repeatedly using their sirens on a residential street while settling a debate with primary school pupils over whether the noise is “woo-woo” or “nee-nah”.

North Swindon police community support officers said the pupils at Haydonleigh primary school had been divided over how to describe the sound of the sirens.

Four-year-old pupils in three reception classes, who were in their first full week at school, were being given a presentation on emergency services by the police when the question arose.

“Apologies to anyone in the Haydonleigh area who may have been disturbed by our sirens yesterday morning – the PCSOs were at the primary school having a very important debate with the new reception year children about whether they go nee-nah or woo-woo,” the police said on Facebook.

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The post went viral, with headteacher Frances Billinge saying she had been overwhelmed by the reaction. “I am so proud that it’s one innocent question from one of our four-year-olds and it’s gone global, with such enthusiasm,” she said. “Parents and staff are in bewilderment but it’s a real feeling of pride. And it’s hilarious.”

Unable to come to a firm conclusion having repeatedly heard the siren, pupils held a class vote, with “woo-woo” winning by 60 to 26.

Pupils were asked to make the noise themselves before voting, Billinge said. “I would encourage anyone who is confused as to what they think to try to imitate the noise themselves and see what they come out with,” she said.

Emergency services use at least six types of siren in the UK. Police, fire and ambulance vehicles are also able to make sounds in different tones, and vary them according to whether they are in a built-up area or not.

Different countries also use different descriptions. In France a siren goes “pin pon”, in Italy it’s “nino nino”, in Russia “wiu wiu”, and in the Philippines it is “wang wang wang”.

The debate at Haydonleigh primary may not be over yet. The pupils will have visits from ambulances and fire engines over the next fortnight, Billinge said. “The police asked me to settle the debate, but I have to say, I don’t think it’s either. I think it sounds like a waw-waw,” she said.