CONSTABLES for what is thought to be the oldest police service in the country are being given the power to make arrests.

For the first time in nearly 80 years, York Minster’s own policemen will hold the same powers as regular police constables – while within the cathedral’s precinct.

Although the Minster Police is a private police force, its constables have recently undergone specialist training and will soon be “attested” giving them the power of arrest within the cathedral and its boundaries.

However although security provision inside the Minster and its precinct remain the responsibility of the cathedral constables, North Yorkshire Police will be responsible for investigating all crime.

Any arrested people will be handed over to North Yorkshire Police for transport and processing and the force will be responsible for the submission of prosecution files.

Established in the 13th-century, the Minster’s own constabulary is thought to be the oldest continuing police service in the country and a forerunner of the modern police force established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829.

The Minster’s cathedral constables were sworn in as constables until the 1930s, when they ceased to be attested.

Head of security Mark Sutcliffe, who runs the team of eight constables, said: “York Minster is one of only seven cathedrals in the world to maintain its own police force, which has played an important role in the rich history of the Minster for hundreds of years.

“We have worked closely alongside North Yorkshire Police for many years to keep the Minster and the people who visit it from around the world safe.”

The Minster’s constables will join officers from Canterbury, Liverpool and Chester who are attested and hold the powers of constable in their respective cathedral and precincts.