A 13-year-old was among nine teenagers arrested in Manchester with 'drugs, weapons and firearms' also seized, police have revealed.
Police based in Manchester city centre said the arrests followed a series of robberies, thefts and firearm offences. Officers received reports at 5.30pm on Sunday relating to Princess Street and Mosely Street in the city centre.
Greater Manchester Police said officers responded to a report of a mobile phone stolen, a robbery of a pedal cycle, an assault and 'reports of a group of youths firing BB guns'. All nine boys - whose ages range between 13 and 15 - remained in police custody for questioning on Monday afternoon, GMP said.
The force confirmed houses linked to those arrested were also searched as part of the operation. Police said they seized 'drugs, weapons and firearms' in the searches.
No locations for the arrests or house searches have been revealed by GMP.
Writing on Twitter, GMP's city centre division said: "Nine youths, aged 13-15yrs, have been arrested in relation to a number of robberies, thefts, public order and firearm offences.
"Upon completion of house searches, further drugs, weapons and firearms have been recovered. The males remain in police custody for questioning."
In a statement, the force said: "At around 5.30pm on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police responded to a report of a mobile phone stolen, a robbery of a pedal cycle, an assault and reports of a group of youths firing BB guns on Princess Street and Mosley Street.
"Officers conducted an area search whereby nine youths, aged 13-15 were detained and arrested. They remain in custody for questioning.
"House searches were conducted at the addresses of those detained, whereby officers have recovered a firearm, weapons and drugs."
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