A boy has been arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon after police saw a male on a bike with a machete in Stevenage.

On Wednesday, June 19, at around 1.50pm, officers spotted a group of males acting suspiciously in Hampson Park.

A spokesperson for Herts police said: "The group quickly dispersed and one of the males made off towards Lonsdale Road/Grace Way on a bike. While cycling away, the male was seen to produce a machete.

"At this time, a member of the public was also in the vicinity and officers believe he may have seen them chasing the male on the bike."

With support from response and neighbourhood police officers, a 17-year-old boy was quickly arrested and subsequently charged with possession of an offensive weapon and cannabis. He is due in court on Wednesday, July 10.

Officers from the Stevenage Scorpion team are now trying to trace the man who they believe may have witnessed the group of youths making off from police.

Investigating officer PC Chris Brown said: "We are very keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the group prior to our arrival, or at the point where the group dispersed.

"We are particularly keen to trace a man who we saw in the area at the time of the chase. If this was you, please contact us as soon as possible. You may be able to assist us with the investigation."

You can email PC Brown directly at Chris.Brown@herts.police.uk or you can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/49172/24.

Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.