Teenage boys arrested after spree of robberies in Portsmouth

Police received reports of five separate incidents across Portsmouth on Monday between 4pm and 8.30pm.

The first took place in Talbot Road, Southsea, at 4.15pm when a 25-year-old man was the target but nothing was stolen.

A 23-year-old man was then the victim of an attempted robbery in nearby Manners Road, Southsea, at 4.20pm. Nothing was taken.

The third incident happened in Sydenham Terrace, Landport, at 5.35pm when a 20-year-old man had Apple Airpods and his wallet stolen.

Two further robberies took place in Turner Road, Buckland, later in the evening.

At 7.50pm a 26-year-old man had an iPhone, wallet and Airpods stolen.

A 24-year-old man had tobacco and £10 cash stolen at 8.30pm on the same road.

Officers were deployed to the areas and have been working through the night following up several lines of enquiry.

No one was injured during the robberies, police have said.

A 16-year-old boy, from Fareham, and a 15-year-old boy, from Portsmouth, were arrested on suspicion of robbery on Monday night in connection with the incidents.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘We know news of these robberies will be concerning for residents, but we have been working hard throughout the night and this work continues today, with officers carrying out extra patrols and following up enquiries.

‘So please come up and speak to us if you have any worries.

‘If you think you might have any information which could help us with our investigations, please call us on 101, quoting 44200024334.’