Police crackdown as teen violence in city escalates

Officers will work with councils and support groups to try to stop young people carrying knives

Police have launched a crackdown on youth violence in a city after a spate of daytime incidents escalated into "large-scale disorder".

It follows assaults, robberies and the possession of weapons in the centre of Norwich over the last two months involving young people, officers said.

As part of the operation, two teenagers appeared in court on Monday after being stopped with knives in Chapelfield Gardens, a park in Norwich.

"This increase in anti-social behaviour and violence is a real concern to us," said acting Ch Supt Wes Hornigold.

"In many cases, incidents of comparatively minor anti-social behaviour have escalated into large-scale disorder, with those involved carrying weapons and willing to use them.

"A lot of the incidents have happened during the day, in busy areas of the city centre, and we recognise the wider public concern this can cause."

He urged anyone with concerns about a child who might be at risk to contact them.

Two teenagers were arrested after they were found carrying knives in Chapelfield Gardens in Norwich

High-visibility patrols, targeted enforcement and information sharing will be carried out.

Officers will also work with councils and support groups to try to stop teenagers getting caught up in knife crime.

Police said recent incidents had included a fight outside Chantry Place shopping centre, with two of the four suspects arrested at Gatwick Airport.

Another man will be sentenced in May after he was found to be carrying a knife at Norwich railway station.

A 17-year-old boy has also been charged with attempted murder after two men were stabbed on Prince of Wales Road on 6 April.

Police said a 16-year-old, also arrested over the attack, has admitted two charges and will be sentenced next month after being remanded in custody.

High-visibility patrols will be carried out during the crackdown