Two Solihull teenagers arrested after alleged armed motorbike robberies - The Solihull Observer

Two Solihull teenagers arrested after alleged armed motorbike robberies

Solihull Editorial 3rd Jul, 2019   0

TWO KINGSHURST teenagers suspected of robbing motorbikes after threatening owners with machetes and a firearm have been arrested.

The 18 and 16 year olds were caught after a brief foot chase and remain in police custody on suspicion of vehicle theft, knife possession and robbery. The juvenile will also be questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Police in Shard End at 8.30pm on July 2 were flagged down by a member of the public reporting a gang of armed moped riders trying to steal a scooter in Hartshill Road.

Traffic cops and the police helicopter pursued three bikes for several minutes through Ward End and Castle Bromwich as the suspects − each with a pillion passenger − sped on the wrong side of dual carriageways and along pavements.




One bike was cornered in Shopton Close in Shard End where a Yamaha 125 bike − stolen on 1 July in Tyburn Road, Erdington, by robbers in possession of a firearm − was dumped and two youths made off on foot.

It’s suspected the gang are also linked to a motorbike robbery in Sheaf Lane, Sheldon, yesterday plus other bike thefts. Another suspected stolen bike was found abandoned near the arrest scene.


West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Jim Church said: “A witness has told us one of the teenagers discarded a machete as they fled and that it was thrown in the direction of a young child. Thankfully no-one was hurt.

“The arrests followed some great teamwork involving the police helicopter, Force Traffic and the Dog Unit. It’s resulted in the recovery of a machete and two motorbikes.

“Our enquiries continue to identify and arrest other members of the gang and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“A young child narrowly avoided serious injury as a result of their actions − they do not deserve any protection so if anyone believes they know who’s involved then please call us now.”

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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