Arrests and e-scooters seized in city operation

Police have made six arrests and seized 35 e-bikes and e-scooters in a day-long operation in a city.

Riders, pedestrians and vehicles were stopped in Portsmouth throughout Tuesday, officers said.

The arrests - including three male teenagers aged 15, 16 and 18 - were for alleged driving offences, drug dealing, theft and carrying a weapon.

Property searches uncovered two further weapons, suspected Class B drugs and phones thought to be linked to drug dealing, police added.

Among the arrests, a 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth was held on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and drug driving.

A 15-year-old boy from Southsea was detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

The other four arrests were all of men from Portsmouth and Southsea.

Police also issued tickets to careless drivers as well as those using a mobile phone, having no insurance or not wearing a seatbelt.

Supt Paul Markham, in charge of policing in the city, said: "It is of high priority in Portsmouth that we make a concentrated effort to address the concerns and issues raised to us by our communities.

"We will continue our dedicated efforts to target areas of concern and repeat offenders."

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