THREE youths were arrested after police received reports that they had entered a York supermarket - one of them with a sawn off shotgun hidden up the sleeve of his jacket.

They were later released with just a warning from officers after they were found to be carrying only air weapons.

Police said no threats were made during the incident at the Jacksons store in Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe, and they did not believe there was any intention to commit a crime.

Sergeant George Mead, of North Yorkshire Police, said York Police received a report at about 7.30pm last night that three youths had entered a supermarket in the Woodthorpe area.

"One of them was believed to have a sawn-off shotgun concealed up the sleeve of his jacket.

"Three youths were detained a short while later and found to be in possession of two pellet pistols and a sawn-off air rifle."

Sgt Mead added: "No threats of violence were used during this incident, which is not believed to have involved any intent to commit a crime."

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York Police said the youths, whom he believed to be "young teenagers", had been warned and released, and would not face court proceedings.

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