A YOUTH has been arrested after reports that another child was threatened with the use of a machete in a robbery.

Armed police officers, assisted by the police helicopter overhead, descended on Crow Wood Park in Widnes yesterday afternoon, Sunday.

This came following reports that a 13-year-old boy riding his bike in the park was threatened and robbed.

A search of the park was undertaken and a suspect – a 14-year-old boy – was arrested after being located hiding in a garden.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “At around 5.40pm on Sunday, April 21, police responded to reports of a robbery at a park in Widnes.

“The caller reported that a 13-year-old boy had been biking in the Crow Wood Park area when they were threatened by another teenager, possibly armed with a machete.

“The victim was not injured but was left shaken.

“Local officers, supported by firearms teams, conducted a search of the area and located a 14-year-old boy, who was promptly arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place and robbery.

“He remains in custody at this time.

“Anyone with any further information or concerns can call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML-1805696, or visit the website.”

The Runcorn and Widnes World has sought clarification on the park in which the incident took place, with Cheshire Police again confirming it was Crow Wood Park, rather than Victoria Park as suggested on social media.