Teenage boy arrested as part of investigation into threats made towards other teenagers

Police have arrested a teenage boy as part of an investigation into reports that a male has threatened other teenagers in Gloucester.

Officers are linking a number of incidents over the past week which have seen a male, believed to be in his late teens, attempting to rob others.

The first incident happened on Bristol Road last Wednesday night (1 October). At around 8.50pm it was reported that a group of males on e-bikes had chased a boy on a moped.

After managing to stop the boy, the trio demanded he hand over his moped, before one of the suspects swung a bladed weapon at him.

The boy was able to ride off and escape the group with no injuries.

The four males were described as being dressed in black with face coverings.

Another incident was called into police on Monday morning (6 October) where it was reported that a boy who claimed to have a knife threatened and chased a teenage boy. 

This took place on Watermint Drive at around 11.50am and officers would like to speak to motorists who are believed to have saw what happened.

In particular they would like to speak to the driver of a white BMW five series.

Police also received numerous reports on Monday afternoon (6 October) that a male on a Surron e-bike was seen chasing two boys close to Crypt School in Podsmead.

It was stated that the male had a knife on him and so armed officers searched the area, with support from the National Police Air Service, but could not locate any suspects.

An additional report was received last night (Tuesday 7 October) which stated that three youths on e-bikes had threatened a child with a knife on Bristol Road in Quedgeley.

On all occasions offenders were not located despite officers searching the area.

Following enquiries, a 17-year-old boy from Gloucester was arrested this morning (Wednesday 8 October) on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody for questioning.

Officers are now conducting additional patrols in the area and are asking for anyone with CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage to come forward.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify others involved.

Inspector Ash Gardner said: "These were frightening incidents and we do not underestimate the concern this will have caused. We will not tolerate this sort of threatening behaviour in our communities and are working to identify all of the individuals involved.

"We would urge anybody with information, no matter how big or small, to come forward."

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 370 of 7 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively you can give information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/