A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in Bootle following reports of a male seen with a knife in a public park on Wednesday afternoon. Merseyside Police responded to the incident at South Park shortly before 12:30 pm on September 24.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and a teenager was taken into custody for questioning. According to police, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident, and a search for the alleged weapon is ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- A 17-year-old male was arrested in Bootle on September 24.
- The arrest followed reports of a person in possession of a knife at South Park.
- Merseyside Police attended the scene around 12:25 pm.
- No injuries were reported, and a knife has not yet been recovered.
- Police have issued an appeal for public information, quoting log number 408.
Police Respond to Midday Call in South Park
Merseyside Police were alerted to a potential public safety concern in Bootle just after midday. A report was received at approximately 12:25 pm on Wednesday, September 24, indicating that a male was in possession of a bladed article within the grounds of South Park.
The nature of the report prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers were dispatched to the location to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the public. The park, a popular local green space, was the focus of the initial police activity.
The call was treated with urgency, reflecting the serious approach taken by police to reports involving weapons. The presence of emergency services in the area was noted as officers began their investigation at the scene.
Details of the Incident
The report specifically mentioned a male with a knife, which led to a coordinated response. Upon arrival, officers began to search the area and gather information from any potential witnesses. The primary objective was to locate the individual described in the report and secure the scene.
According to the official police statement, the initial phase of the operation focused on confirming the report and identifying the person involved. This swift action is standard procedure in incidents where a potential threat to the public is reported.
Public Safety and Police Protocol
Reports involving bladed weapons in public spaces are a high priority for police forces across the country. Standard operating procedures typically involve a rapid deployment of officers to contain the area, protect the public, and apprehend any suspects. The response in Bootle aligns with these established protocols.
Arrest Made Following Park Search
Following the initial response at South Park, police officers conducted a search of the immediate vicinity. Their efforts led to the location and arrest of a 17-year-old male a short distance from the park.
The teenager was taken into police custody, where he is being held for questioning in relation to the incident. The arrest was made without any reported complications. The identity of the teenager has not been released due to his age.
The swiftness of the arrest highlights the efficiency of the police response. Locating a suspect nearby is a critical step in such investigations, allowing officers to proceed with their enquiries while ensuring public safety is maintained.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police stated: "We can confirm a teenage boy has been arrested following an incident in Bootle earlier today. At around 12.25pm on Wednesday 24 September, we received a report that a male had been in possession of a knife in South Park."
Investigation Status
While an arrest has been made, the investigation remains active. A crucial element of the ongoing enquiry is the search for the weapon. The police have confirmed that, at this stage, a knife has not been found.
Officers are continuing to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the midday call. This includes speaking to the suspect and appealing for information from the public.
Incident Timeline
- 12:25 pm: Merseyside Police receive a report of a male with a knife in South Park, Bootle.
- Shortly after: Emergency services arrive at the scene to investigate.
- Following search: A 17-year-old boy is arrested nearby.
- Ongoing: The suspect is in custody for questioning, and the investigation continues.
Police Appeal for Public Information
Merseyside Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding the incident. They are urging anyone who was in or around South Park at the time and may have witnessed anything relevant to come forward.
Even small details can be significant in an investigation. Authorities are particularly interested in any sightings of the individual before the police arrived or any information about the location of the alleged weapon.
The force has provided specific contact details for the public to use. This ensures that any information provided reaches the correct investigation team promptly and can be acted upon.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information that could assist the police is asked to contact them through one of the following channels:
- Call the non-emergency number 101.
- Send a direct message to @MerPolCC on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
When providing information, members of the public should quote the specific log number for this incident, which is 408 of 24th September. This reference ensures the information is correctly allocated to the ongoing investigation in Bootle.