Teenagers arrested after police search

Three teenage boys have been arrested after a search involving the police helicopter and traffic officers in the wake of an attack where a knife was used allegedly to threaten a quad biker.

Durham Constabulary launched a hunt for suspects after they were called to reports of an attempted robbery of the quad bike as it was being ridden by a man at a farm near Thornley Road in Wheatley Hill on Sunday, April 26, at about 2pm.

Today, the force said it had arrested three boys in connection with the ongoing investigation.

It has been confirmed that two of the teenagers were found near the village after suspects allegedly rode off from the scene on a motorbike.

Efforts to find the boys brought together its National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, response officers and members of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) traffic team.

A spokesperson for the force said: “It is believed three teenage boys approached the victim and threatened them with a knife before attempting to steal their quadbike.

“Officers arrived quickly and arrested a 17-yearold, while the other two suspects made off. “Following a wide search involving officers from response, CDSOU and NPAS, the two outstanding suspects aged 16 were located and arrested. Inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information which could help the investigation, can contact Durham Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.