MALVERN — Two 15-year-old boys remain in police custody this evening after being arrested in connection with a suspected firearm incident that sparked a significant emergency response in the Welland area earlier today.
West Mercia Police were alerted to the situation shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, following reports that two youths were seen traveling on an e-scooter while in possession of what appeared to be a firearm. The reports prompted an immediate mobilization of local officers, who descended upon the area to secure the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the two suspects were located and taken into custody a short time after the initial call. Both have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence.
While the swift police intervention resulted in the apprehension of the two teenagers, investigators are now urgently working to identify a group of four young boys who were allegedly targeted during the incident. It is believed that the suspects waved the weapon in the direction of these individuals.
Detective Sergeant Polly Price sought to calm public nerves while emphasizing the gravity of the ongoing investigation. “We understand an incident of this nature may be alarming for the community, but we want to offer reassurance that we responded quickly and now have two boys in custody,” DS Price stated.
Addressing the potential victims, she added, “We do not believe they are involved in the incident, or to have been injured, but we are keen to find out who they are and make sure they are okay. If this was you, or your child, please get in touch with us.”
As of Sunday evening, officers were continuing to conduct exhaustive searches of the Welland area in hopes of recovering the weapon. Residents have been warned that a heightened police presence will remain in the community over the coming days as forensic teams and investigators continue to process evidence and conduct neighborhood inquiries.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance, particularly from those who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information. Officials are specifically asking for the four boys, or their parents, to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Anyone with information—or those who believe they may have been in the area at the time—is urged to contact West Mercia Police by calling 101. Callers should reference incident 310i of 18 October when providing details.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the nature of the weapon and the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
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