Teen arrested in connection with sale of weapons on social media

Merseyside Police executed two warrants at addresses in Bidston and Ellesmere Port today (Thursday, November 14) following a proactive investigation into the sale of knives and weapons on social media.

Two 18-year-old men from Bidston and Ellesmere Port were arrested on suspicion of offering to supply or sell an offensive weapon and publishing any written, pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife.

They are both in police custody to be questioned.

The warrant was part of a County Lines operation led by Merseyside Police to tackle the online sale of knives and weapons across the country.

It coincides with Sceptre, the national week of action targeting knife crime, as the force continues its drive to prevent and reduce serious violence.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly, from the County Lines Investigation team, said: "This warrant was part of a national operation led by Merseyside Police to tackle the online sale of drugs, knives and weapons on social media across the country.

"We are working proactively to take weapons off our streets, including targeting online vendors who are selling knives illegally and causing fear and harm in our communities.

"We know the devastation that knife crime brings and never lose sight of the work that needs to be done.

"I would urge anyone with any concerns around knife crime to come forward and speak to us, either directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers so we can act on community intelligence.

"If you have any information about suspected weapons in your area, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously."