Birmingham schoolboys arrested after series of Tamworth robberies

Two schoolboys from Birmingham have been arrested after a series of robberies in a Staffordshire town said to have involved a gang of around 20 teenagers. A 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old were detained after a spate of robberies in Tamworth over the course of a week.

A 15-year-old boy was on the green bridge on Tennyson Avenue at around 4.45pm, on Sunday, November 3, when he was approached by a group of around 20 teenagers. One of the suspects is alleged to have taken a mobile phone, a power bank, a wireless speaker, £20 cash, and a silver chain from the victim.

Then, just after 5.30pm the same day, Staffordshire Police was alerted to reports that a 13-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers as he left Farmfoods on Middle Entry in Tamworth town centre. One of the suspects is alleged to have taken the victim’s bag, gloves and beanie hat.

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The following weekend, two boys and two girls, all aged 15, were approached by three youths near to the Ankerside Shopping Centre in George Street in the town centre on Saturday, November 9, at around 4.20pm. One of the victims was taken towards the Castle Grounds and was told to hand over his mobile phone, alongside £50 in cash. Another boy was also told to hand over his mobile phone. The suspects then left.

Staffordshire Police believes the robberies may be linked. And arrested the 12-year-old and 15-year-old boys from Birmingham, both of whom had been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

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A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: “Two boys have been arrested as our investigation continues into a number of robberies in Tamworth. Since they occurred we’ve been working hard to track down the group responsible.

“We are investigating a number of other reports that we believe may be linked. A 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, who are both from the Birmingham area, have now been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

“They have been released on bail while our enquires continue. Officers are keen to hear from any witnesses, particularly dog walkers.

“If you’ve got any information that can help us with our investigation, call 101, quoting incident 497 of 3 November, or message us using Live Chat on our website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”