TWO boys aged 13 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of robbery in Southampton after a major operation involving armed police.

Officers were called to Shirley High Street after an 18-year-old cyclist was forced to hand over his bike by two thieves armed with a knife.

It happened a few minutes after a 39-year-old cyclist in Shirley Road was the victim of an attempted robbery.

Officers hunting the culprits scoured the neighbourhood with the aid of dogs and a police helicopter which circled overhead for some time.

Several people took to social media to report a large police presence in the Shirley and Millbrook areas.

They said officers could be seen in several streets including Brookwood Road, Cuckmere Lane, Kendal Avenue, Parkside and Severn Road. Police activity was also spotted in nearby Green Park.

The incident occurred late on Saturday afternoon.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called just after 5pm to reports of an armed robbery on Shirley High Street.

“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 report that at 4.20pm 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.”

The spokesperson confirmed that armed police were deployed following reports a knife had been used.

Royston Smith, Tory MP for Southampton Itchen, congratulated the officers who took part in the operation.

But he added: “It is so disappointing we need this sort of response.

“We must continue to tackle knife crime wherever and whenever we can. It has destroyed too many lives already.”

City councillor Lee Whitbread added: “These incidents of criminal activity will obviously provide some concern for local residents.

“I want to reassure them that councillors are working hard to assist the police in making our streets safer.”