IT was a case of the short arm of the law after a dwarf dressed as a policeman on a stag party stunt was apprehended by the real boys in blue.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police swooped to confiscate a baton and several sets of handcuffs from the diminutative copper who was at York Racecourse with groom-to-be Darren Rogers.

The man, named only as Charlie, was dressed in full police uniform and was handcuffed to Mr Rogers who himself was wearing a pantomime horse costume.

It is understood the officers questioned Charlie for 45 minutes before confiscating several items that he uses as part of his act.

Mr Rogers’ friends had paid hundreds of pounds for Charlie to accompany him for around six hours - in the end their union lasted just 20 minutes.

Speaking afterwards, Charlie said: “I’ve been doing the act for years and never had trouble before now.

“They said my truncheon, which I’d had specially shortened, was a lethal weapon. I said, it might be to you guys but it never leaves the holder. I got it from eBay.”

He added: “I was in bits. We were just having fun – I do this all the time.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said officers had no issue with the man being in a police costume, but acted out of concern for the other items he had with him - a police-issue extendable baton and several sets of handcuffs.

She said: “The items were genuine police issue, the baton being a prohibited item and capable of inflicting serious injuries on a person. The handcuffs were also law enforcement issue, supplied only to those with powers of detention and arrest.

“There was no reason for the man to be in possession of police equipment as replica items are widely available for fancy dress purposes. While we have no doubt that the prank was good-spirited and well-intentioned, we must take the safety of members of the public seriously.”

The spokeswoman also said nobody was arrested or cautioned in connection with the incident.