Schoolboys arrested after youngsters held up at gunpoint
Three teenage boys were arrested after a gang of violent robbers threatened youngsters with what was believed to be a handgun in a 30-minute spree.
Armed officers and dog handlers were among those scrambled to Tipton, and locked down the area while the hunt continued.
The spree began at around 8.30pm yesterday, when a girl, 14, was forced into handing over cash on Webb Road when she was threatened with what was believed to be a handgun.
Twenty minutes later, a boy of 16 was assaulted on Bourne Avenue, and then minutes later two teenagers had their phones stolen after being threatened on Powis Avenue.
People matching the descriptions were spotted near to Alexandra Road and were arrested just after 9pm.
The suspects are 14, 15 and 18, and were being questioned this evening
Inspector Akeel Najib, from West Bromwich Police station, said: "Fortunately the people who were robbed are not seriously hurt but being threatened with what appeared to be a firearm must have been terrifying.
"We recovered two items which, when examined, turned out to be air weapons.
"We have local officers who have been at schools in the area today to give young people an assembly on the dangers of carrying weapons and to reassure people that we take incidents of this nature very seriously.
"Fortunately this is an extremely rare occurrence for Tipton. I want to reassure people that we have taken action and arrested three people and that if anyone has any concerns then please speak to one of the local officers who can allay any fears."
