Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of robbery offences on Friday (July 24) in a proactive police mission to prevent armed robberies around Wandsworth Common.

Following a short foot chase, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of three offences, including possession of a knife and five robbery offences.

A second boy, 15, was arrested on suspicion of eight robbery offences.

Police Sergeant Tim Willers, from the South West Violence Suppression Unit (VSU), said:

“There is no doubt in my mind that these individuals were out to commit robberies and target those teenagers on the common who were out to meet their friends.

"We will continue to target and disrupt violence from occurring with operations such as this – which without, could have been a significant night of robbery and violent crime.”

The youths are currently in police custody.

If you have information about violence or knife crime, please visit www.fearless.org where you can pass on information anonymously – your I.P address will not be traced. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity and is also independent of the police.

You can also contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously via 0800 555 111 or online.