Three boys arrested in ongoing investigation

We are aware of a social media post about concerning comments on a WhatsApp group chat involving teenage boys.

We know this may cause distress and concern to parents and students.

We would like to reassure you that after it was reported to us, we carried out an investigation at pace and arrested three boys, one aged 13 and two aged 15, all from Stoke-on-Trent. They were interviewed by officers and released with strict bail conditions as our robust investigation continues.

We are working closely with the school to safeguard those involved.

There have been a number of incidents nationally recently. Together with the school, we are committed to working together to protect young people from knives. We use a range of tactics including educational inputs about the dangers of carrying a knife to ensure that students are well-informed about the consequences of carrying weapons.

The consequences of being found in possession of a knife are serious and long-lasting affecting education, employment and travel opportunities, but most crucially, life.

If you have any concerns about your child or their friends carrying a weapon, speak to them calmly and explain the risks and consequences.

If your child makes you aware of concerns they might have about other young people in school or the community, you can contact us directly by calling 101 or you can report via our website www.staffordshire.police.uk.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.