THE number of youths arrested in Dorset on suspicion of possessing knives, blades and other weapons has soared by 190 per cent over the past five years.
Data obtained from Dorset Police by a Daily Echo Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed that 64 under 18s were arrested for this offence in 2020.
In 2016 this figure was just 22 and it has been increasing year-on-year ever since.
The majority of arrested youths were boys – 62 of the 64 – last year, while since 2016 the youngest person arrested on suspicion of possession of a blade or an offensive weapon was an 11-year-old girl.
Chief Inspector Lindsay Dudfield said Dorset Police is committed to reducing crime involving young people and protecting communities.