A 16-year-old boy has been caught carrying a knife in Kingston town centre.

The youth from Shepperton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught by police with a kitchen knife and a pointed five inch hair pin on Tuesday, February 17.

The youth was stopped as part of a pre-planned police operation in the town centre to ensure no trouble broke out at an under 18s event which was being held at the Works Nightclub.

The youth, who was not believed to be on his way to the disco, was stopped in Clarence Street at 8pm and arrested for possessing an offensive weapon.

Police also confirmed there was an unrelated scuffle between two groups of youths outside the club, in St James Road, after the event finished at 11pm.

The group was dispersed by the police and two youths were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.

A 15-year-old from south-west London and a 17-year-old from Surbiton have been bailed to return to Kingston police station on March 19 while investigations continue.

The Works nightclub was shut last year for refurbishment by its owner Luminar Leisure, which also owns Oceana in Kingston, but is let out for one off events.

Acting Chief Superintendent Paul McGregor from Kingston police said: “This [was] a multi-agency event and was attended by 1,000 youths both from Kingston and across London, the vast majority of whom had an enjoyable evening out.

“There were no incidents during the event inside the club. During the dispersal period, a small disturbance took place opposite the Works, involving two groups of youths.”

The 16-year-old youth caught with a knife in Clarence Street was remanded in custody and appeared in Kingston Youth Court on Wednesday, February 18, where he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

Magistrates gave the boy a six month referral order to the Surrey youth panel, ordered the knife to be destroyed and ordered him to pay £10 costs.

Acting Chief Supt McGregor said: “The current focus on Operation Blunt remains a top priority and the message is clear that the carrying of knives will not be tolerated in Kingston.”

A spokesman from Luminar was unavailable for comment.