Pokémon World Championship players arrested over alleged gun plot

Boston police have arrested two Pokémon World Championships players after discovering their car was full of illegally-owned guns and ammunition.

The event's private security team were tipped off by Pokémon fans who spotted online boasts from Kevin Norton, 18, and James Stumbo, 27, regarding their arms haul.

The pair were denied entry to the event by its private security staff, who then contacted Boston police, Fox News Boston reported.

Norton and Stumbo were later arrested at their hotel after detectives discovered two guns and several hundred rounds of ammunition in their vehicle.

A 12-gauge shotgun and AR-15 assault rifle were among the weapons seized, along with a hunting knife, all of which were obtained without a license.

Both men were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and other firearm offenses.

Norton and Stumbo, both from Iowa, had met online via a Facebook group named Mayhem Pokemon Crew.

The duo had driven together to the Boston Pokémon World Championships event and had posted photos of both the vehicle and their weapons stash to Facebook before setting off.

The Pokémon Company alerted event staff to the pair after concerned fans forwarded on their pictures.

"Prior to the event this weekend, our community of players made us aware of a security issue," a Pokémon Company spokesperson said.

"We gathered information and gave it as soon as possible to the authorities at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center who acted swiftly and spearheaded communication with the Boston Police Department.

"Due to quick action, the potential threat was resolved. The Pokémon Company International takes the safety of our fans seriously and will continue to ensure proper security measures are a priority."

Norton and Stumbo are due to appear today at Boston Municipal Court.