Shotgun and knife found in raids

25 March 2019, 11:05 | Updated: 25 March 2019, 11:07

Matrix officers have arrested a wanted teenager and seized a shotgun and knife following a warrant in the Walton area yesterday afternoon, Sunday 24 March.

At around 2pm, armed officers acting on information attended a flat on County Road and detained a 17-year-old male in possession of a large knife.

Following the search of a flat, a shotgun and suspected crack cocaine were seized.

The 17-year-old from Walton was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

He was also arrested on suspicion of blackmail, criminal damage; and four counts of Section 18 wounding in relation to previous incidents in late 2018 which resulted in injuries to people in the Kensington and Liverpool City Centre areas. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since these incidents to identify and apprehend the suspect.

He was taken to a police station for questioning and remains in custody at the time of writing.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Rhodes said: "These are significant results which have taken potentially deadly weapons from the streets, weapons which can be used to cause fear and harm in our communities. If you provide us with information where you suspect weapons are being stored, we will do the rest.

"Anyone who chooses to pick up a knife or other weapons could be throwing away their lives and destroying the lives of others. Merseyside has seen at first hand the tragedy of knife crime and the effect it can have on the victims, the knife crime offenders and the families left behind.

"I want to reassure our communities that we will continue our work day in and day out and we are committed to getting rid of the problem of knife crime by working closely with our partners to help prevent and disrupt criminal activity.

"We will also continue to act on information reported to us through local policing teams or community leaders. Either speak to us directly, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously. However you get the information to us, get it to us."