A man threatened to shoot an 11-year-old boy after losing a game of Fortnite

A 45-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for threatening to shoot an 11-year-old after losing to him in the video game Fortnite.

A MAN has been arrested for threatening to shoot an 11-year-old boy after losing to him in the video game Fortnite.

Michael Aliperti, 45, of Long Island in New York, threatened to go to the child’s home and harm him after a fiery gaming session, Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron said.

Newsday reports that the alleged threats were made through text messages and online voice messages on Monday.

The child had been playing the popular third-person shooter game with Aliperti for several months.

Michael Aliperti, 45, was arrested in New York this week. Picture: Supplied

The child’s family reported the incident to police, who increased their presence at the child’s school.

“We took this as a school threat,” Mr Cameron said. “That was done out of an abundance of caution.”

Mr Cameron also cautioned parents to monitor their children’s video game usage and to be aware of their online opponents.

Aliperti was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated harassment and acting in a manner to injure a child.

Bail was set at US$2500 and an order of protection was issued for the victim. A message left with his lawyer was not immediately returned.

Aliperti allegedly made the threats through text messages and online voice messages.

It comes after reports that the controversial game has been linked to a spike in divorces.

Research found that as many as 5000 marriages in the United Kingdom could dissolve this year as a result of the viral video game.

— with AP