Passengers have their bags checked while entering a subway station in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province on August 1, 2013. [Photo: Xinhua]

Authorities in the city of Nanjing have decided to ban women from carrying self-protection devices on the city's subway system.

Local authorities say pepper spray, alarms and powerful flashlights are not being allowed on the trains.

Zhang Yuting with Nanjing's subway police force says the devices pose a potential threat to public safety.

"While these things can be used by female passengers for self-defence, the devices might also hurt other people on board. These are also items that could be used to attack people."

However, the devices are not on the subway's list of prohibited items.

It’s becoming more common for Chinese women to carry these small devices in their handbags, particularly during the summer, to avoid sexual harassment.

Police suggest instead women in Nanjing should remain vigilant and shield themselves with their bags to reduce the risk of sexual harassment.