Two arrested in connection with selling weapons online

Today, Thursday 3 October, two teenagers from Worcestershire have been arrested in a County Lines operation to tackle the sale of weapons online.

Officers from Merseyside Police attended an address in Stourport-on-Severn following a proactive investigation into the sale of knives and weapons on social media.

Several weapons were seized including extendable batons, machetes, swords, flick knives and a knuckle duster.

Two 16-year-old males from Stourport-on-Severn were arrested on suspicion of Unlawful Marketing of Knives, Publish any written, pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife, and Offer to supply or sell an offensive weapon. They are in police custody to be questioned.

Detective Seargeant Kieran Connolly from the County Lines Investigation team said: “These latest arrests show that we are resolute in removing weapons from the streets.

“The warrant was part of a national operation led by Merseyside Police to tackle the online sale of drugs, knives and weapons on Social Media across the country.

“We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, either selling weapons or enticing young and vulnerable people to carry them.

“As part of the Force’s Operation Target, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals.

“The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have tragic consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved. 

“There is no place for knives in our communities. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch or call Crimestoppers anonymously so we can act on community intelligence.”

If you have any information about suspected weapons in your area, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.