A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after being found with a large kitchen knife in his waistband.

The teenager, who was known to police, was walking around Millbrook when officers decided to stop him for a search this lunchtime.

However, the boy had "a very good reason" for not engaging with them.

Following a pursuit through Mansel Park, where the suspect bumped into even more officers, police were able to detain him.

In a Facebook post, a police spokesperson said: "During the short scuffle a large kitchen knife was ejected from his waistband. Now we know why he didn’t want to stop."

The knife's blade measured at least 20cm.

The boy was arrested for possession of a bladed article in a public place and was taken to custody.

The post added: "Knife crime on the streets of Southampton is still infrequent and we wouldn’t want people to be afraid.

"We do ask that you're aware of it and remain vigilant. We also ask that you report any incidents or suspicions of knife related activity.

"Emergency is still 999. Call us 101, fill out an online form through the website or call Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111) anonymously if you prefer."

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