YORK police are appealing for information after a bogus police officer was seen breaking into university accommodation at Fairfax House in Heslington.

The man, dressed in a high-visibility jacket with the word ‘Police’ written on the back and possibly wearing a helmet, was seen entering the building through a first-floor kitchen window at about 2am yesterday (TUES) morning.

Students alerted security staff and saw the man walk around the building before leaving via a fire exit.

When he was challenged by a student he claimed an arrest had been made.

Nothing was stolen and nothing was damaged.

The man is described as white, aged between 35 to 40, around 5ft 10in, and of medium build. He had a shaven head with blonde or mousey brown hair re-growth, and wore black trousers and black boots. He may also have had a pierced lip.

PC Steve Skeoch, who is investigating the incident, said: “Although nothing was stolen or damaged during this incident, we are concerned about the man’s motives and are appealing for any other students or members of the public who may have seen the man in the area of the university.

“A genuine, uniformed police officer will carry identification and will have a collar number clearly visible on their uniform. They will also carry a number of items of equipment including a radio and earpiece.

“A number of students are still on campus sitting exams and we are appealing for any other students who may have seen the man to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information, or who can help identify the man from the description is asked to contact PC Skeoch at York police on 0845 60 60 247 quoting reference 12110106161.