Walsall teen suspects in custody over Cannock attempted robbery

The arrests follow two reports of incidents in the town.

In the first incident on February 17, two youths reported being followed by a group from Lichfield Road to Eastern Way.

The group snatched a mobile phone from one of the boys and left in the direction of the McArthur Glen shopping outlet.

A 15-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, both from the Walsall area, have been arrested on suspicion of theft from a person and remain in police custody. 

Then at around 4.25pm on Wednesday (February 26), two youths were approached while sitting on a bench outside JD Sports in Market Street in the town centre by two teenage boys and a teenage girl.

This group asked if they had hotspots on their phones, but the two boys walked away. As they walked away, one of the victims was then grabbed by one of the group. This time nothing was stolen and no-one was injured. 

However, a 16-year-old boy from the Walsall area has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and is being questioned in custody. 

Staffordshire Polce stated: "We have increased patrols in the area to try and identify further suspects and offer reassurance to the community.

Local officers have reviewed CCTV footage and are progressing inquiries."

The force said it was also liaising with British Transport Police and West Midlands Police in regards to the matter.

Section 34 dispersal notices were launched in Cannock town centre on Friday allowing police to instruct people to leave if they are involved in instances of antisocial behaviour, crime or disorder, and also means that anyone under the age of 16 can be returned to their home address. 

A similar order will also be in effect in Hednesford town centre until 3pm on Sunday (March 2).