POLICE arrested a man in Lister Park, Bradford, this evening after passers-by reported seeing a man brandishing a sword in public.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested for possessing an offensive weapon in public, despite claiming to officers he was a martial arts instructor simply practising his routines.

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Witnesses reported the incident at about 5.30pm and armed officers descended on the park to arrest the man, who was later detained for further questioning.

The police spokesman said: "We were called after reports from members of the public of a man with two swords in Lister Park, and officers attended the scene.

"The man was found to be in possession of two ornamental swords and claimed to be a martial arts instructor who was doing practising his techniques.

"He was arrested by district officers for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place."

Inquiries into the incident were ongoing tonight.