Suspected drug dealer arrested by neighbourhood team

Neighbourhood police arrested a suspected drug dealer and robber while carrying out a letter-drop in a city community.

Officers spotted a teenager acting suspiciously in Courtenay Gardens, St Ann’s, around 10am on Sunday (1 December) as they carried out the community work.

The suspect ran from officers when approached and was pursued down several alleyways.

When officers caught up with him, they found cash and multiple mobile phones during searches.

Evidence of drug dealing was also discovered and the 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.

He was further arrested on suspicion of robbery after a teenage boy was threatened he would be hurt if he did not hand over his bicycle in Church Street, Mansfield.

The boy was also held on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle after a motorcycle was stolen from an address in Ashwell Gardens between 20 and 21 June 2024.

Police Constable Betty Shone, of the City South neighbourhood policing team, said:

“We visited this part of St Ann’s because concerns were raised about suspicious activity and drug crime in the area.

“It is an important part of our role as a neighbourhood team and we hope residents are reassured by our presence in their community.

“This arrest is also a significant development in ongoing investigations into some serious crimes.

“I would urge anyone who has information about drug dealing in their area to get I touch via 101.

“We always value this support from people and they could be supplying a missing piece of information which allows us to take positive action.”