Balaclava-clad thugs were caught by cops with knives at a petrol station.
Officers were on patrol in Blackley and Harpurhey on Saturday evening (December 11) at around 12.20am when they noticed two suspicious masked people at a petrol station on Rochdale Road.
When officers approached them, one of them got into the driver’s seat of a white Peugeot 2008 and attempted to drive away.
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Following a struggle, officers detained him. They later found a hunting knife on the floor.
The 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary; drug offence; and possession of an offensive weapon.
He has since been released under investigation.
A further five knives were discovered in the vehicle - ranging from large machetes to an additional hunting knife.
The Peugeot was later identified as stolen during a burglary in south Manchester earlier this month.
Inspector William Jennings-Wharton, of GMP’s Manchester North Neighbourhood division, said: “We will continue to patrol the streets of Manchester in a bid to stop criminal activity and remove dangerous weapons from our streets.
“We want north Manchester to be a safe place not only for those who live and work here but also for our officers operating across the community.
“The fast response from our neighbourhood officers over the weekend has resulted in the removal of multiple weapons from our streets and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
"This is excellent work by our officers carrying out proactive work but sadly highlights the real dangers they face on a daily basis.
“I would now like to urge our local residents to help keep us safe by reporting any information they may have about individuals who carry dangerous weapons or conduct criminal activity.”
Any information can be reported to police on www.gmp.police.uk or 101.
Additionally, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
