TWO teens have been charged with selling knives and weapons after police raided two addresses.

The 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested after warrants were carried out at two separate addresses in Stourport on Thursday (October 3).

They were carried out by West Mercia and Merseyside Police officers following an investigation by officers in Merseyside.

Money and several weapons were seized including extendable batons, machetes, swords, flick knives and a knuckle duster.

West Mercia Police said: "One of the males was charged with publish material suggesting that a knife was suitable for combat, offer for sale / hire an offensive weapon, possess an offensive weapon in private place and manufacture/sell/ hire or offer/expose/possess for the purpose of sale/ hire a flick/gravity knife.

"Another was charged with publish material suggesting that a knife was suitable for combat, offer for sale/hire an offensive weapon, five counts of possess an offensive weapon in private place and manufacture/sell/hire or offer/expose/possess for the purpose of sale/hire a flick/gravity knife".

They are both due in Kidderminster Magistrates Court today (Friday, October 4).

The warrant was part of a County Lines operation to tackle the online sale of knives and weapons across the country.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly from Project Medusa at Merseyside Police said: “We are resolute in removing weapons from the streets, and are targeting vendors selling such weapons on social media to prevent them getting into the wrong hands and causing fear and harm on in communities.

“We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, whether selling knives, carrying them or using them.

“While we are making positive progress, we understand the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and are relentless in our approach to targeting and pursuing criminals.

“The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have tragic consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved. 

“There is no place for knives in our communities. I would urge anyone with information to get in touch or call Crimestoppers anonymously so we can act on community intelligence.”