Hartlepool man arrested after suspected stun gun and knives are seized in weapons crackdown

A 29-year-old Hartlepool man has been arrested in connection with the alleged firearm discovery and released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Three other town men were also quizzed by police after knives originating from overseas were recovered.

A 34-year-old man received a warning letter for importing a lock knife and two other men, aged 56 and 57, were dealt with through the out of court restorative justice process after admitting importing flick knives.

The crackdown, which included action throughout the Cleveland Police area, was part of the force’s Operation Phoenix campaign to both tackle and prevent crime.

Detective Sergeant James Allen said: “A variety of flick knives, lock knives and specialist blades had been ordered online, from overseas, by people living in our Force area.

“It is illegal to import these items. Thanks to partnership work with other agencies these items were intercepted before they reached our force area.

“I want to remind people that just because you can see these items online on international sites it does not mean they are legal to purchase and bring into the UK.

“The likely outcome of ordering these items is that you won’t receive your goods, you won’t receive a refund but you may receive a visit from the police.

“Simply looking at these items it’s clear the damage they could do in the wrong hands and we have to investigate if these purchases were linked to criminality.

“We had a successful day educating many individuals.”

The 33-year-old Hartlepool man has been quizzed by detectives on suspicion of possessing a firearm, supplying class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Operation Phoenix, which is funded by money seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), is Cleveland Police’s summer-long Operation Phoenix to improve public service, prioritise vulnerability, tackle serious violence and prevent crime.

Earlier this month a 33-year-old wanted Hartlepool man was arrested and quizzed on suspicion of possessing a firearm, supplying class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

He was released under investigation.

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