A 16-year-old boy has today (May 23) been sentenced at Barrow Magistrates Court to 12 months detention following an incident in April this year in Barrow.

The boy who cannot be named for legal reasons has been detained after pleading guilty to attempted wounding, threatening with a bladed article in a public place and criminal damage.

The incident took place on Lesh Lane, Barrow on Saturday 8 April 2023.

During the incident, the defendant approached a vehicle on foot before hitting it causing damage.

The defendant then attempted to open one of the doors to the vehicle, before pulling out a knife and pointing at one of the occupants. The occupant the knife was pointed at then exited the vehicle running from the scene.

The defendant made threats towards another whilst swinging the knife at them.

T/ Detective Constable Ashlynne Elliott said “There is no excuse for anyone to be walking the streets of Cumbria in possession of a knife. Doing so puts people at significant risk of serious injury or death – including the person carrying the knife.

“If you know someone who is carrying a knife or other weapons, please report it to us or Crimestoppers anonymously. We are all aware from incidents locally and nationally the impact this has on people’s lives and wider communities.”

If you are worried about someone you know carrying a knife, help and guidance is available:

• Knife crime | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)
• Crimestoppers is an independent charity that enables you to report crime anonymously – 0800 555 111
• If you are aware someone is carrying a knife or offensive weapon, report it to us.
•  Call 999 straight away if there is an ongoing incident involving a knife or offensive weapon.

Cumbria Police took part in Operation Sceptre last week.

Operation Sceptre, is a national campaign which takes place twice a year, supporting the work Cumbria Police carry out all year round, to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their community.

The operation includes a knife amnesty where people can handed in dangerous bladed articles in order to make themselves and their communities a safer place.