Police patrolling drug dealing hotspots arrest TWELVE-year-old boy who was carrying a LOCK KNIFE, balaclava and lighters

A young boy, aged just 12, was found with a lock knife after being searched by officers in Salford on Tuesday (August 16). Police had been patrolling drug dealing hotspots in Salford when the shocking discovery was made.

After spotting a group of young boys wearing tracksuits and man bags, police went on to search them after noticing 'something wasn't quite right'. The 12-year-old had been wearing a balaclava and was also found to be in possession of multiple lighters along with the flip knife.

He was marched home to an adult and will now have to return to the station for questioning after carrying the bladed article in public. Greater Manchester Police took to social media on Tuesday to reiterate that they 'don't tolerate knife crime' and warn potential criminals that 'they will be caught'.

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A stop search had been issued by Salford North East Neighbourhood officers. The force shared a picture of the 16cm sharp red lock knife on Facebook.

The post read: "The Patrol Plan in place for today's duty saw officers targeting hot-spot areas known for drug dealing and exchange. The ongoing heat today saw nominals in full tracksuits with the classic "Man Bag" on pedal cycles, this activated our coppers nose that something wasn't quite right.

"And rightly so, one of the youths was only 12-years-old and was in possession of this lock knife, balaclava and multiple lighters. He was taken home to an appropriate adult, where it was crimed and an appointment made for the male to attend a police station for interview with the attending officers.

"We don't tolerate knife crime or carrying of a bladed article in