A Norwich university has warned students to be wary of fake events on social media as the start of term nears.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has told current and new students to be cautious of the 'many' fake event listings which have appeared on Facebook.

It comes ahead of Freshers' Week, when the university and union organise a week of events for students.

UEA says 'multiple' Facebook pages have sprung up recently advertising events which are either fake or unofficial and not run or supported by the university or the Students' Union.

The university and the union have now asked people to check if events seem legitimate and report them if in doubt.

Posting on its website, Jack Robinson, campaigns and democracy officer at the union, said: 'I want all of our students to make the most out of their time at UEA, and going to a variety events across the city is definitely to be encouraged.

'Just be on the look out for events that might not seem totally legitimate, be aware of who you're purchasing from, what kind of personal information they're asking for and whether it all seems too good to be true.'

• Anyone unsure about an event can check the listings available on the UEA events page, student union website and UEA box office.

• If you think you have bought a ticket to a fake event, you can report it to Norfolk Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.