Auckland birthday boy invites police to his party

Police surprised 5-year-old Zachary from Counties Manukau by turning up at his birthday party.

In case you missed it: This was one of the Herald's top stories on social media this week.

When police turn up to a 'party in progress' in full body armour, they are not usually bearing gifts.

But when Counties Manukau police arrived to surprise an industrious boy at his police-themed fifth birthday party, they couldn't bear to show up empty handed.

5-year-old Zachary invited the local police to his birthday party. Photo / Still

Little Zachary had told his mother he wanted to have a police-themed birthday — with real cops, too.

111 is easy to remember and after several of Zachary's attempts to invite the police to his party, his mother cottoned on.

After explaining the situation to the police communications operator a laugh was shared and no charges were filed.

The operator said she didn't know if the cops could make it, but said she would let her colleagues know regardless.

However, strings were pulled and Zachary's big birthday wish ended up coming true.

5-year-old Zachary from Counties Manukau invited the local police to his birthday party and they surprised him by turning up. Photo / Still

Zachary gingerly asked the police if they would like to come in and then received a little gift from the officers, a police dog toy.

He was asked if he would like to have a go on some of the police equipment.

Zachary kept his cool and coyly said "he might" be interested.

After arresting his friends and playing with the siren there was even a flyover from Eagle, the police helicopter.

After the candles of his cake were blown out he reassured everyone there was also jelly.