ARMED police were called to the University of York this week, over an unusual student game.

Officers were called to Constantine College at Heslington East at about 7.30pm on Monday, November 10, after a member of the public reporting seeing a man with a sword on the campus.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the student was eventually found to have been carrying a replica weapon, but said it was not a threat to the public.

He said: "Armed police officers located a 24-year-old student from the university in an accommodation block a short time later. They identified the weapon, he had been seen carrying, as a blunt weapon, used for re-enacting military events."

"The man was given suitable advice to ensure that he understands the danger of carrying replica weapons in public and the consequences should an armed officer perceive that the person pose a threat to either the police or a member of the public."

The student newspaper suggested the weapon was being used as part of a role playing game, but the police spokesman said response was appropriate and urged caution for future events.

He said: "Anyone who is carrying replica weapons should ensure that they are kept out of view and stored appropriately to avoid causing alarm to other people.

"Groups and societies undertaking re-enactments in public places are advised to let the police know that the event is taking place. Reports of people seen carrying weapons in public places are always treated extremely seriously and will be responded to by armed police officers."