COMMUNITY figures have told of their shock and dismay after knives were seized from two 12-year-old boys following an afternoon 'disturbance' on Weymouth seafront.
Investigations to understand the circumstances of what happened are ongoing as police said the parents of those involved ‘have been informed and are fully supportive of police action.’
Local community leaders have reacted with shock and say the incident 'could have ended in tragedy'.
It comes after police officers were called to reports of a disturbance on the Esplanade between a group of young people at 2.30pm on Monday afternoon.
It was reported that two local 12-year-old boys were in possession of knives and were detained by police officers for a search.
Dorset Police say two knives, which appear to be a blue switchblade and a black butterfly knife, were recovered and seized from the two boys.
The force said it was 'determined to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences this might have'.
'It should not be happening in Weymouth or anywhere'
Weymouth Mayor, Colin Huckle, was saddened to hear about the incident, and said it ‘should not be happening in Weymouth or anywhere’.
Citing recent knife-related incidents in Weymouth, he said: “It is not right that they have knives.
“It is not the first time this has happened lately with other groups of youths being caught with knives around Weymouth.
“It should not be happening in Weymouth or anywhere.”
Cllr Huckle noted that parents need to be more vigilant of what their children are doing and warned of the dangers of carrying a knife.
He said: “We must alert parents to keeping an eye on their children and asking what they are doing when they are out.
"Children must act responsibly.”
Cllr Ken Whatley was left stunned.
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He said: “It is terrible that children feel that they should be going out with a knife. It is very tragic that they seem to feel they need to do that.
“It is shocking to see this happening.”
Cllr Whatley feared it ‘could have been a lot worse than it was’ and urged parents to check where their children are going and doing.
He added: “I think they should be very aware of what’s happening when out with others and the dangers of going out with a knife.
“If someone has a knife, it could be tragic. It is very sad that this has happened.”
Cllr Jon Orrell, who represents the Melcombe Regis area at Dorset Council, wondered if more education about knife crime is needed in a bid to curb knife crime.
He said: “I am shocked to hear that children are carrying knives at such a young age.
“I wonder if we could learn from Scotland. They had a high knife crime death rate and tackled it with a broad range of public health measures, education and prevention.”
'Knives in public will not be tolerated'
A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Police said possession of weapons 'will not be tolerated' and its neighbourhood team will be carrying out follow-up visits to 'speak to others who are identified as being involved'.
A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Our enquiries into the incident are still ongoing and the two boys are assisting officers with their investigation. No arrests have been made.
"We are determined to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences this might have for them.
"Early intervention is key to making our communities safer and we work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that messages about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife reaches children in schools and colleges.
"We want to provide support and advice to those who know a knife carrier and for parents, carers and bystanders to be able to spot the signs and speak out if they know someone is carrying a knife.
"We would encourage anyone with concerns to contact Dorset Police so we can take action and if appropriate put safeguarding measures in place to protect anyone who may be vulnerable."
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