Residents of the wider Footscray area have been forced to flee their homes this morning, as a public service announcement issued by the Western Bulldogs alerted them to the imminent danger of wayward leather balls raining down on their properties.

“Community safety is our number one priority,” confirmed Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge in a statement. “Trav’s got a big boot on him, so we felt it would be prudent to clear a 5km radius and eliminate the risk of balls taking out little children.”

While the 5km radius seems excessive, Beveridge still urged residents of neighbouring suburbs Spotswood, Altona and Williamstown to exercise caution.

“Heads up folks, these could go anywhere.”