Two teenagers have been arrested and a zombie knife seized following a police operation aimed at preventing disorder among GCSE leavers in Birmingham city centre.
Police Operation Targets Large Gathering
West Midlands Police deployed extra resources on Monday, June 15, to disrupt a planned gathering of school leavers in the city centre. The force stated that the operation was designed to prevent potential criminality and ensure public safety.
Dispersal Order Enforced
A dispersal order was put in place, allowing officers to break up large groups. During the operation, a 16-year-old boy was arrested after a foot chase. Police recovered a large zombie knife and suspected stolen mobile phones. He faces charges of possession of an offensive weapon and theft.
A second teenager was arrested earlier in the day for assaulting a police officer. Officers also responded to reports of fireworks being set off, but no injuries were reported. An investigation is ongoing, including a review of social media footage.
Chief Inspector's Statement
Chief Insp Dan Thomas said: 'We acted quickly to set up this operation with a clear aim of preventing disorder and ensuring we had a highly visible presence in the busy city centre. As ever, we’re focused on making the city as safe and welcoming as possible for everyone, and a combination of partnership working and proactive policing has ensured that yesterday.'
'The vast majority of young people we spoke to were in good spirits, but the fact that we have seized a dangerous weapon demonstrates why we use these powers. We’ll continue working with colleagues across West Midlands Police, as well as Safer Travel and city centre partners, and take action to reassure the public and keep people safe.'
