Boys arrested over alleged knife-point robberies

High-visibility patrols are being carried out in Dunstable and Luton after eight knife-point robberies were reportedly carried out this week

Five boys have been arrested in connection with a series of alleged knife-point robberies across two towns.

Bedfordshire Police carried out "targeted operations" in Luton and Dunstable after they reportedly took place during the first week of November.

The force's gangs and guns team also discovered machetes and stolen property while carrying out arrest warrants.

Officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols and are urging the public to "stay vigilant during darker evenings".

The first arrests came in Luton on Tuesday, when three teenagers were arrested following two separate incidents on Monday.

All three were charged and remanded in custody.

In Dunstable, police said six knife-point robberies took place across two days this week.

Two teenagers were subsequently arrested and they remain in custody for questioning.

Bedfordshire Police said it had a "commitment to tackling serious violence and protecting our communities".

The force said it was also educating the public on some of the ways people can stay safe, especially during darker evenings.