Good afternoon. We just wanted to bring you a positive update regarding our ongoing investigation into a series of criminal damage incidents in the Botley and Hedge End areas last week.

Investigating officers, who have been working tirelessly since the reports were first made to us, have now arrested a teenage boy from Southampton in connection with the incidents.

The 14-year-old was arrested on Saturday morning (10 May) on suspicion of four counts of criminal damage and one of burglary with intent to commit damage.

It follows reported incidents in the early hours of the morning Tuesday 6 May, during which damage was caused to windows at properties on Armfield Way, Botley and Merion Road, Botley.

A vehicle was also damaged on Malvern Gardens, Hedge End, while entry was forced and windows damaged at Boorley Green Community Centre on Wallace Avenue.

Officers are continuing to investigate the reports and proactive patrols remain ongoing in the areas concerned.

The boy has been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries. As part of those conditions, he is not allowed to enter Botley or Hedge End.

As well as this arrest update, we'd also like to take a moment to thank all of you, our amazing community, for your incredible help and support over the last week. As ever, it really is appreciated by all of us, and it certainly never goes unnoticed!

We often say it, but we simply couldn't do what we do without your assistance. Thank you! 

Anyhow, we will do our very best to keep you all updated as often as we can in relation to these incidents and our ongoing investigation into them.