Schoolboy arrested for pretending to be a police officer, complete with homemade police uniform and ID

China:   A schoolboy who dressed a police uniform and carried fake ID and weapons to catch thieves at his local market has been arrested.

Wannabe crime-fighter Wang Shih, 16, was pulled over by the boys in blue after he was spotted driving around in a car modified to look like a police car.

The teenager, who had fitted a detachable blue flashing light to the top of the vehicle, told officers he got a kick out of helping citizens in his city, claiming to have made several "civilian arrests".

But the boy was shocked when real officers arrested him in the provincial capital city Shijiazhuang, in northern China’s Hebei Province, for donning the fake uniform.

Inside his car, they found replicas of a police baton, handcuffs, and even a modified handgun.

When taken back to the police station for questioning, Wang tried to bluff his way out by saying he was an officer from one of the local precincts, and that the officers should just let him go.

Police spokesman Chung Hu said: "It was clear that he was wearing a fake police uniform, which was one that was not officially issued to him and actually from a costume shop.

"His ID card was also found to be fake, which he had created himself.

"The biggest surprise though was that he was only 16 years of age, and was still at school.

"It was clear from the start that he wasn’t a real police officer. His police identification was obviously forged – he was not even wearing his uniform in the photo as required."

Shih said: "I didn't realize I was doing anything wrong, I was simply living out my dream of being a policeman. When I found I was still too young to join the force, I didn't want to wait any longer."

Wang was only given a warning by authorities as he is still a minor.

His parents have been informed of the matter and will join him as he receives an educational lecture from the precinct chief.