Teenagers charged with selling weapons including swords and machetes online

It is believed this is the first charge in the country for selling weapons online.

Two teenagers have been charged with weapons including swords and machetes on social media. Officers from Merseyside Police raided addresses in Stourport-on-Severn as part of an investigation into the sale of knives and weapons on social media.

They recovered money and several weapons including extendable batons, machetes, swords, flick knives and a knuckle duster.

Two 16-year-old males from Stourport-on-Severn, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged with publishing material suggesting that a knife was suitable for combat, offering to supply an offensive weapon. They were also charged with the possession of a weapon in a private place.

They have been remanded into custody to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates Court today. The warrant was part of a County Lines operation led Merseyside Police with officers from West Mercia to tackle the online sale of knives and weapons across the country.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly from Project Medusa at Merseyside Police said: “We believe this is the first charge in the country for this type of offence selling weapons online. We are resolute in removing weapons from the streets, and are targeting vendors selling such weapons on social media to prevent them getting into the wrong hands and causing fear and harm on in communities.

“We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, whether selling knives, carrying them or using them. While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals.

“The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have tragic consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved.

“There is no place for knives in our communities. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch or call Crimestoppers anonymously so we can act on community intelligence.”