A 21-YEAR-old Newport man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place after carrying a sword in Beechwood Park.

The man was arrested following reports of a man with a sword in the Newport Park at 12.25am on Thursday.

The police helicopter was called out to the park and officers found a wooden sword nearby.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said the weapon is a wooden training sword.

The man was bailed and is due to appear at Cwmbran Magistrates Court later this month.

His bail conditions include him not being allowed in Beechwood Park at any time and a curfew of being at home between 8pm and 7am.