A teenager has been charged after police seized a “horrific” bladed weapon that could have caused “fatal injuries”.

On Tuesday, January 30, police conducted number of stop searches as well as dealing with a number of shoplifters.

Police stopped a young male, who was said to be known to officers, at St George Shopping Centre in Preston.

He reportedly ran from officers through Matalan and out on to Lune Street. He was later found and searched after running back into the shopping centre, police said.

Following enquiries, a large bladed weapon, capable of causing fatal injuries, was “hidden” around the corner.

A 16-year-old was arrested and has since been charged for possessing a bladed article in a public place. He has been bailed to attend Preston Magistrates Youth Court.

A police spokesperson said: “A horrific weapon was removed from hands of a youth in the city centre.

"One young male who is known to police was spotted by Preston Task Force in St George’s Shopping Centre. He has ran off from officers, through Matalan and out the building onto Lune Street. He was later located and searched having ran back into the shopping centre.

"Following enquires this large weapon, capable of causing fatal injures, was hidden round the corner.

“A 16-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged for possessing a bladed article in a public place. He has been bailed to attend Preston Magistrates Youth Court

“There is no place for knife crime in Preston and such behaviour will not be tolerated. Preston task force will continue to tackle the issue and serve justice to those responsible for such crimes.

“If you believe someone you know carries a knife please tell us by calling 101, or reporting it online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org. Always call 999 in an emergency.”