TWO 16-year-old boys have been charged with numerous offences, including being in possession of a knife in a public place, following a pursuit in Tamworth on New Year’s Eve.

Just after 2am on December 31, officers attached to Western Region Operations Support Group were patrolling on Kent Street, South Tamworth, when they attempted to stop a Toyota sedan.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

A short time later, the vehicle stopped on Southview Street, West Tamworth before two occupants allegedly got out of the car and ran from the scene.

With the assistance of officers from Oxley Police District, PolAir and the Dog Unit, two teenage boys – both aged 16 – were arrested on Macgregor Street.

A knife and mobile phone were allegedly seized from one of the boys which will be sent for forensic examination.

They were taken to Tamworth Police Station where one of the boy s was charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and custody of knife in public place.

The second boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and possess prohibited drug.

They were refused bail and appeared at a children’s court yesterday, where the first boy was refused bail to reappear at children’s court on Tuesday, February 3.

The second boy was granted conditional bail to reappear at children’s court on Tuesday, February 3.

Checks revealed the vehicle was allegedly stolen from East Tamworth the day before.

Inquiries under Operation Soteria continue.