A TEENAGER has been arrested by officers patrolling Harlow town centre in connection with investigations into multiple thefts.

They received reports of items taken from Iceland, TK Max, McDonalds, and Ten Pin in town yesterday afternoon.

Officers from the Town Centre Team responded and arrested a 13 year-old boy on suspicion of theft, attempted burglary,  possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence.

He was taken to custody for questioning and has since been released on bail until December.

Elsewhere, test purchases took place at eight shops for knives, vapes, and cigarettes with three shops failing by selling items to underage children and these issues are being raised with Trading Standards.

Acting Sergeant Callum Stephen said: “Our work today highlights how we are keeping businesses and the public safe.

“Officers are out patrolling the town centre every day ready to respond to reports of incidents work with businesses to keep them and shoppers safe.”