A tense confrontation between cops and bikers in Alabama was quickly defused - when it was revealed to be a staged marriage proposal.

Two officers teamed up with Daiwon McPherson, 33, to persuade his girlfriend Shawna Blackmon that he was armed and on the run.

When the cops pulled up with stun guns and ordered Mr McPherson to his knees, Ms Blackmon feared the worst. Told by police to disarm her boyfriend, she reached into his pocket and pulled out… a ring box.

A video of the daring stunt has gone viral on YouTube.

Mr McPherson told Al.com: “I really wanted to bring the bike life and the police together. I can’t believe I actually pulled this off.”

A police spokesperson said no guns were involved in the proposal and the stun guns held by officers were not loaded.