A MAKE-UP artist who got a ticking-off when police mistook his fake severed hand for the real thing has achieved internet stardom.
Patrick Plummer was left red-faced when the rubber hand attracted the attention of the police after he left it in St Paul's Avenue, Hyson Green, earlier this month.
He had put the prop in the road for a joke to amuse his nieces, but was shocked when police officers cordoned off the street after being alerted by neighbours.
His story has since made national and international news – and has even led to interest from a first aid training company looking for more realistic sessions.
Singleton Associates read about Patrick on the website of a national newspaper and left a comment for him on the Post website.
He is now in talks with the Lincoln-based firm about possibly helping them to create lifelike injuries for their courses.
Patrick, 34, said: "Although it's been a little strange, it's been a great experience.
"I'm really happy people are interested; I never really expected this sort of attention."
Police eventually saw the funny side and confiscated the hand.
Patrick makes severed limbs from casts, latex rubber, cotton wool and paint as a hobby at his home in Elton Close, near St Paul's Avenue.
He first became interested in how special effects and props work through his love of horror movies.
His story ended up in several national newspapers and websites, cropping up in the news as far away as Pakistan and America.
Singleton Associates office manager Glenda Minns said: "In our courses we have people learning how to treat fractures, burns and gashes and use productions to make it real – but sometimes you can't get very realistic ones from places like joke shops.
"Patrick is everywhere now and after we saw his story we thought we'd get in touch because the hand looked so lifelike."
Patrick added: "A lot of people I know have been talking about it and when I've been shopping in the supermarket people have been saying 'hey I saw you in the paper'.
"I'm happy people are interested. No film or TV work has come up yet though – that what would be really nice."
