THE CHURCH of England has threatened legal action against Sony after a violent PlayStation 3 computer game depicts Manchester Cathedral as a back-drop for a battle.

Church leaders accused Sony of “desecration” and said it had not asked permission to use the building.

The new game, Resistance: Fall of Man, sees a virtual shoot-out between warring soldiers inside a mock-up of the cathedral. Players assume the role of an army sergeant as a battle is held inside the cathedral, with troops shown taking aim from the nave.

Church officials described Sony’s use of the building as “sick” and sacrilegious and demanded its removal from shops.

Nigel McCulloch, the Bishop of Manchester, said: “For a global manufacturer to recreate one of our great cathedrals with photo-realistic quality and then encourage people to have gun battles in the building is beyond belief and highly irresponsible.”

David Wilson, a Sony spokesman, said: “It is entertainment, like Doctor Who or any other science fiction. Throughout the whole process we have sought permission where necessary.”