A teenage boy has been arrested after an incident involving a knife near to a busy school in Harlow. Police officers rushed to an incident near Passmores Academy in Tracyes Road, Harlow, shortly after 3.35pm on Monday (January 13).
Officers arrived at the scene and seized a knife, and a boy, 15, was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article. He has been released on condition bail while enquiries continue.
A teenage victim sustained a minor hand injury. It is not associated with a weapon. Officers are still investigating the circumstances behind the incident.
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Acting chief inspector Leanne Archer, Harlow district commander, said: “Quite clearly, there will be some concern around this incident given where this has taken place. The response to the incident was very quick and we were able to make an arrest and ensure there were no serious injuries sustained. A boy was questioned in connection with the incident and has been released on conditional bail whilst this investigation continues.”
Chief Inspector Archer added: “Driving down and preventing knife crime is among the most important work police officers and staff do. We know from our analysis that more than 50 per cent of serious knife crime perpetrators are aged between ten and 19, whilst the highest single proportion of victims are male, also aged between ten and 19.
“We know this is an issue which can specifically affect young people and we work determinedly with our partners in Essex to support those at most risk by putting in place help and diversions to deter them from becoming serious knife crime perpetrators.”
A spokesperson for the force added: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 576 of 13 January.
“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.
“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”