A MAN who allegedly posed as a lecturer to stay at an Oxford University college for four months has been arrested by police.

The 31-year-old fooled staff and moved into accommodation last September, remaining there until earlier this month, it was alleged.

The man, who is suspected to have awarded himself a fake doctorate, was arrested by police and charged with obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

He was also charged with using a false University membership card and is due to appear before city magistrates next month.

The bursar of Worcester College, Lt Col David King, would not comment.

When the alleged offences came to light, staff at the college contacted administrators at the University's central office and it is understood that other colleges were then informed.

An Oxford University source told the Oxford Mail: "Our security staff are aware of this and we believe that Trinity College featured an item about the allegations on their Internet web site."

The source added that the man had not taken his alter-ego so seriously that he had attempted to tutor undergraduates.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man has been charged with two offences committed in connection with Worcester College.

There are more than 450 undergraduates at the college, which dates back to the 15th century.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.