Teenager arrested and machete seized in Norris Green
An 18-year-old was questioned on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and taking of a motor vehicle without consent.
Police have arrested a man and seized a machete and an e-bike after officers in Norris Green spotted three male on electric bikes on Saturday (1st March).
Officers saw the high-powered bikes being ridden with a number of youths around them.
As the police car approached, two riders made off on their bikes while a third abandoned his and made off on foot into a nearby house.
He was pursued on foot by an officer as he made out of the back of the property into the garden, where the suspect was detained. Following a search, he was found to have a machete in the waistband of his trousers.
An 18-year-old man from Norris Green was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and taking of a motor vehicle without consent. He was taken into custody for interview and has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Chris Carlin said: “These officers acted swiftly and decisively while out on proactive patrol in the heart of Norris Green.
“As a result one suspect was arrested and a machete and electric bike are off the streets, unable to be used to bring fear and harm to our communities here is Merseyside.
“We know the devastation that such weapons can bring to families, and the evidence is clear that those who carry them are themselves more likely to become victims of knife crime.
“We know that criminals have increasingly turned to electric bikes to transport these weapons as well as illegal drugs around Merseyside on roads, pavements and public footpaths, often stealing the high value bikes to support their illegal trade.
“We have increased high visibility police patrols in those areas the community tell us electric bikes may be used for this purpose, and take every report of theft extremely seriously.
“The support of the public is an absolutely vital part of our efforts to stop drug dealers in their tracks, and stop them bringing intimidation, violence and misery into the heart of our communities.
“If you have any information about those involved in this incident, or know where stolen electric bikes are being stored, please contact us and we will do the rest.”