Armed police shot a man with plastic bullets after he allegedly threatened officers with a knife in a city centre restaurant, police said today.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police were called to York centre following reports of a man armed with a knife on the streets.

The man was shot with two baton rounds after he allegedly threatened officers with the knife at the Viceroy Indian restaurant on Monkgate. Customers and staff at the restaurant had been evacuated by police shortly before the incident at around 10pm yesterday.

A 43-year-old man was arrested and taken to York District Hospital, where he was treated for bruising. He will be questioned by detectives later.

A force spokesman said: ''Shortly after 10pm police were called to Goodramgate in York where a man was reported to be carrying a knife. ''The man was traced to the Viceroy Indian restaurant in Monkgate. Customers and staff were evacuated from the premises as a safety precaution.

''The man allegedly threatened the police officers with the knife and he was subdued by two baton rounds.

''A 43-year-old man was arrested and after treatment at York District Hospital he is currently detained at York police station awaiting interview. ''His injuries consist of bruising.

''The incident will automatically be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.''