Teenagers arrested and machetes seized after e-scooter chase

Two teenagers were arrested and machetes were taken off the streets after officers caught suspects wearing balaclavas following a short e-scooter chase.

Firearms officers were patrolling in an unmarked car in Alfreton Road when they were alerted to two boys riding an electric scooter on the pavement.

Officers observed the e-scooter turn onto Churchfield Lane in Radford before activating their blue lights at around 8.45pm on Monday, 15 June.

The suspects attempted to flee on the e-scooter and a short chase ensued. 

The pillion passenger jumped off the back in his failed efforts to escape but landed straight into the path of an officer pursuing on foot, who tackled him to the ground.

A short distance away, the e-scooter rider didn't fare much better as the e-scooter clipped the kerb and crashed, sending the second boy tumbling to the floor.

Seconds later, officers caught up with the boy and detained him. During searches of the two boys, two machetes concealed in their trousers and cannabis were seized.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place and has been released on conditional bail.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of Class B drugs, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and possession of a knife in a public place. He has also been released on conditional bail.

It comes as Nottinghamshire Police launched Operation Arriving in Radford to crack down on a gradual rise in retail crime, auto crime, and burglary during the last six months.

Since the launch on 8 June additional officers have been allocated to support dedicated neighbourhood teams in executing warrants and carrying out enforcement activity.

Sergeant Lee Frith, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Officers were in the right place at the right time to detain these two suspected knife carriers and take weapons off our streets.

"We know the public are rightly concerned about people wearing balaclavas, carrying knives, and illegally riding e-scooters, which is why officers are working hard to crack down on this behaviour.

"Operation Arriving is in place to see a sustained reduction in criminality through proactive police work in Radford.

“However, the message is clear; knives ruin lives, and there is never any excuse for anyone to be carrying these weapons on our streets."