Teenage boys arrested after alleged knife-point attempted robbery of quad bike

Three teenage boys have been arrested after a search involving the police helicopter and traffic officers in the wake of an attack where a knife was used allegedly to threaten a quad biker.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 27th Apr 2020, 16:55 BST

Updated 28th Apr 2020, 12:52 BST

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Durham Constabulary launched a hunt for suspects after they were called to reports of an attempted robbery of the quad bike as it was being ridden by a man at a farm near Thornley Road in Wheatley Hill on Sunday, April 26, at around 2pm.

Today, the force said it had arrested three boys in connection with the ongoing investigation.

It has been confirmed by the force that two of the teenagers were found near the village after suspects allegedly rode off from the scene on a motorbike.

Traffic officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit were involved in finding two boys in the aftermath of the attempted robbery of a quad bike.

Traffic officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit were involved in finding two boys in the aftermath of the attempted robbery of a quad bike.

Efforts to find the boys brought together its National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, response officers and members of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) traffic team.

A spokesperson for the force said: “It is believed three teenage boys approached the victim and threatened them with a knife before attempting to steal their quadbike.

“Officers arrived quickly and arrested a 17-year-old, while the other two suspects made off.

“Following a wide search involving officers from response, CDSOU and NPAS, the two outstanding suspects aged 16 were located and arrested.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information which could help the investigation is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.