Teenager charged in connection with online weapon offences

Detectives from Merseyside have charged a teenager with multiple offences in connection with the sale of weapons online.

A 15-year-old boy from Rochdale has been charged with:

• offering for sale / hire offensive weapons
• publishing material suggesting that a knife is suitable for combat
• manufacture, sale or hire, or offer for sale or hire, expose or have in their possession for the purpose of sale or hire, a flick or gravity knife.

He will appear at Merseyside Youth Remand Court today (Friday 5 July).

Superintendent Phil Mullally, lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime said: “As police officers we see first-hand the devastating impact of knives on our communities. We are working proactively to take weapons off our streets, including online spaces where knives are being sold.

“The assistance of members of the public coming forward with information about where they are being sold, stored or carried is vital to ensure the safety of families and residents."

If you have information about someone carrying a knife or know someone involved in the online sale or purchase of weapons, you can report any concerns on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.