Multiple arrests and weapons seized across Birmingham in police operation
Arrests were made and weapons seized in a busy weekend for police officers across Birmingham.
The officers from the Project Guardian Taskforce arrested four people and recovered weapons including a knuckle-duster, a machete and a baseball bat.
Officers from the taskforce were patrolling around Hob Moor Road in Yardley on Saturday, where they arrested two teenagers and, following searches, officers seized a machete and a crowbar.
A 16-year-old boy has since been charged with possession of a knife. He will be appearing before Birmingham Magistrates on March 3.
A 15-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of an offensive weapon and was bailed pending further enquiries.
On Sunday, the Guardian team were patrolling around the Soho Road area, where they spotted a man on Whateley Road and, following searches, officers found a knuckle duster, and he was arrested on suspicion of an offensive weapon.
Further searches were carried out an address where officers seized a baseball bat and a machete.
Omar Coakley, 29, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, and will be appearing before Birmingham Magistrates next month.
Also, on Saturday, officers arrested a man in Shirley Park, with Leo Eggington, 18, subsequently charged with possessing an offensive weapon, possessing Class B drugs and criminal damage.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Project Guardian is a specialist taskforce which tackles knife crime and youth violence.
"There is particular emphasis on reducing knife crime, through a range of tactics from plain-clothed operations to high visibility patrols and positive engagement with young people.
"If you see something suspicious in your area get in touch with us by calling 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous."
