Armed police arrest teenager over alleged knife threats in Chelmsford
A 15 year old is in custody for questioning after officers were called this morning.
Armed police have arrested a teenage boy and recovered a knife within minutes of reports of threats in Essex.
Officers were called to the Regiment Gate area of Chelmsford shortly before 8.30am on Thursday 7 May, following reports that two teenagers were being threatened.
Armed FSU officers responded quickly and detained a suspect whilst seizing a knife.
A 15-year-old boy, from South Woodham Ferrers, remains in custody for questioning.
FSU patrols across Essex in both uniform and plain clothes and is trained to respond to serious incidents involving weapons at a moment’s notice.
Chief Inspector Sam Girdlestone, of the FSU, said: “It’s important the public understand that our armed officers in Essex are trained in a range of specialist skills.
“This allows them to patrol our roads across the county every day and respond to all manner of incidents.
“They are highly trained professionals who make hundreds of arrests every year.”
Inspector Matthew May, of Chelmsford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Reports such as this are taken incredibly seriously and can have a significant impact on those affected, which is why we will always respond with speed.
“The arrest this morning was made in public and will have been witnessed by people passing by.
“I’d like to thank those members of the public who provided information to us, either on the phone or to officers on the ground, which directly led to this arrest.”