TWO teenagers were arrested after police carried out an operation in Pinehurst on Friday night.

One 17-year-old boy has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and bailed to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court because he had two knuckle dusters and a baton tied to his bicycle.

Another 17-year-old boy was handcuffed on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, though he was released on bail on the condition that he doesn't come back to Pinehurst.

During the same operation, ten stop-searches were carried out, six youths all 17 or younger were taken to their homes by officers, and several potentially-stolen bikes were recovered.

A number of officers, volunteers and the dog unit took part in the operation, which is one of a series that aims to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and intimidation of local residents.

Sergeant Nigel Kinderman from the Community Tasking Team in Swindon said: “This operation is one part of a series of ongoing police activities in Pinehurst in an effort to make the area safer, particularly for children.

“There are problems with groups of youths causing anti-social behaviour, drug running, carrying of weapons and general intimidation of local residents.

“The operation last night focussed on these groups to prevent them from evolving into gangs and to safeguard them.

“Although our main aim was to safeguard the children and get them off the streets back to their homes, it is inevitable that some substantive offences would come to light and a couple had to be arrested.

“I hope the residents can continue to support the local police in making Pinehurst a safer place.”

Anyone with concerns in their local area should contact their Community Police Team.

Residents can find out who their local officers are on the Wiltshire Police website.

Always call 101 to report a crime or 999 in an emergency.