TWO boys have been arrested after an armed robbery and an attempted robbery in Southampton.

Armed police were called to Shirley High Street just after 5pm yesterday following reports of a knifepoint robbery.

A police spokesperson said: "The victim, an 18-year-old man, was approached by two boys who threatened him with a knife and stole his bike.

"We then received a further report that at 4.20pm yesterday on Shirley Road, two boys matching the same description had attempted to take a 39-year-old man’s bike by force but were unsuccessful.

"Officers, with the assistance of a police helicopter, conducted a large-scale search of the area.

"A 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Southampton, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery. They remain in custody at this time."

Social media users reported seeing a large number of police officers in Kendal Avenue, Millbrook.

Anyone with information can call Hampshire police 101, quoting crime reference number 44210074585.