A teenager was found to be armed with a knife and imitation firearm after making police suspicious.
Officers on patrol in Maiden Lane, Clubmoor, at around 6pm yesterday (Sunday) became suspicious of the teenager, who was riding a bike at the time, after he appeared to actively avoid police.
After a short pursuit and with the help of a member of the public, the boy was detained nearby.
The boy admitted to having a black BB gun on his person that he had “sprayed black to make it look real”. In his rucksack, officers also found a 12-inch kitchen knife.
The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of an imitation firearm. He was questioned in custody and has now been released under investigation.
The knife and BB gun were seized.
Inspector Sarah Rotherham said: "It is always worrying when we arrest young people carrying weapons.
"On this occasion the gun wasn't real but that doesn’t mean it is any less alarming if someone pointed it at you and that's why we have to educate young people that carrying any sort of weapon can result in consequences.
"We also want to do everything we can to reduce knife crime across Merseyside and encourage parents, guardians, teachers and young people themselves to visit the Our Merseyside website where they can support the #BladeFree campaign as well as finding clubs and activities in their area that will direct them towards a more positive future."
Police would also like to thank the member of the public who assisted in detaining the teenager and asked them to contact officers quoting log: 21000163284.
