Four boys have been arrested following robberies in Romford
The boys, aged 16 and 14, were arrested at around 3.45pm on Sunday, 7 January after a series of robberies were reported.
In the first incident, an off duty police officer witnessed an attempted robbery by two boys in the Brewery.
The two boys were apprehended after the officer alerted colleagues and the pair were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.
Later in the evening, the mother of a boy who had been subject to an attempted robbery with his friends on St Edwards Way contacted police. It was reported that earlier in the day at around 3pm, the victims aged 16 had been approached by a group who demanded to see their phones and were in possession of a knife. No property was taken and the victims were not physically harmed.
Officers were also called around 7.15pm to South Street after another robbery had taken place, again the victims were boys and a knife was seen.
On receiving the information, officers nearby located two boys who were arrested. A knife and property belonging to the victim were recovered.
At around 7.40pm, a group of youths allegedly attempted to rob another group of young people of mixed ages at the Brewery. One person was left with a cut lip and chin but no property was taken.
The suspects have been bailed to return to a police station whilst the investigation continues.
In a statement, the Met Police said: “Whilst these incidents remain under investigation and we continue to support the victims, we ask that if you have any information then to call 101 quoting CAD 5307/7Jan Violent behaviour will not be tolerated in our town centre and to anyone visiting Romford intent on committing such crime they will be dealt with robustly.
“In addition to our response team officers and neighbourhood officers, we have a dedicated town centre team patrolling the area and responding to incidents.”
