THREE teenage boys appeared in court last week after being charged with robbery, drugs and knife offences in Bridgwater.

A report was received of a group of people harassing a man in the town centre. Officers attended and 20 wraps of cannabis and a large knife were seized from a teenage boy on Friday, January 3.

A 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was later charged with possession of class B drugs with intent to supply, possession of a bladed article and assaulting an emergency worker and appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 6.

He pleaded guilty and was handed an eight-month referral order by the court.

At about 5.30pm on Saturday, January 4, a man was approached in Bridgwater town centre by three boys who threatened him and demanded he hand over a pair of trainers. A short while later, a report of an attempted robbery by a group of three boys was also reported.

A 13-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys, who also cannot be named because of their ages, were charged with robbery and attempted robbery in connection with the two incidents. They appeared before magistrates in Taunton on Monday, January 6, where they were bailed with conditions ahead of a trial on July 23. Community Protection Warnings have also been handed to the two 16-year-olds.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sarah Knight said: "Our neighbourhood team is working closely with specialist officers to address issues of anti-social behaviour and criminality in Bridgwater.

"While we will always investigate these offences, it is not something we can police our way out of and so we are also collaborating closely with our partners to support education initiatives and to address the issues underlying youth offending and identify those most at risk.

"I encourage any parent who is concerned about their child and the company they are keeping to get in touch with the neighbourhood team. Working together with parents is crucial in resolving these issues and supporting our community.

"We'd also encourage people to continue reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime to us. This information is vital in helping us build an intelligence picture which can be used to inform proactive work."

If an incident is ongoing, call 999 to report it. For anything else, call 101 or report it online at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/anti-social-behaviour/

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or by visiting its website.