A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after a teenage driver was followed by a group, allegedly wielding a sledge hammer.
The 18-year-old victim had been driving his Ford Fiesta when he was stopped by a group of males at around 8.50pm on Thursday, March 13. Cleveland Police previously said the group, who stopped the driver on Beverley Road in Middlesbrough, were reportedly in possession of weapons including a sledge hammer.
They tried to stop the teen, who had two younger passengers in his car, from driving away and pursued him in a vehicle when he did. The vehicles came to a stop on Saltersgill Avenue, near Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust.
The teenager is said to have told the two younger passengers to run to safety while he stayed with the car. One of the suspects is then reported to have approached the teen, punched him in the face and made off with his car.
Now Cleveland Police has confirmed a man, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of robbery. A spokesperson for the force said: "The man has been bailed whilst enquiries continue into the incident.
"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who may have further information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number SE25044319. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org by calling 0800 555 111.2
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