POLICE arrested a teenager alleged to have been in possession of a knife after being called to a report of youth disorder in St Helens town centre. 

Officers arrested a 15-year-old boy on Friday afternoon, May 20. 

At around 3pm, police received a report of anti-social behaviour on Central Street involving a  group of three youths. 

Officers attended and located a suspect on Parade Street.

He was searched by officers and police allege he was found to be in possession of a kitchen knife. 

The 15-year-old boy, from St Helens, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article. 

He was taken into custody for questioning by police and has since been released under investigation pending further inquiries. 

No injuries were reported and there is no suggestion that the knife was used, say police. 

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Detective Sgt Poynton said: “Local officers are working tirelessly to keep St Helens free of anti-social behaviour. This latest arrest is just one example of a range of tactics Merseyside Police, and partners, are using to make that happen. The arrest on Friday show that we will not stand by and allow people to carry knives and threaten the safety of themselves and others.

“As part of Operation Target, between April 1 and December 31, 2020, we made 508 arrests for knife possession,  over 430 knife related crime arrests, recovered over 1300 knives and offensive weapons, carried out over 170 open land searches and stop searched over 4,400 people.

“Our collaborative #BladeFree campaign is specifically designed to help young people steer clear of knife crime and other serious violence by providing support and opportunities through activities and initiatives such as sport, music and theatre to build confidence, aspiration and improve practical skills and employability.

“Our message to those who might think about carrying a knife is clear: It is just not worth the risk. Every day we are out on patrols, conducting stop searches, executing warrants, putting every effort into arresting offenders and putting them before the courts.”