A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Police were called to Rookery Road, Handsworth, at around 3.30pm yesterday following reports of an armed robbery, where cash and earphones were stolen.

Officers conducted a search around the area and a 17-year-old boy was arrested around an hour later in Queens Head Road, Handsworth, following the robbery.

The imitation firearm was found and seized as the 17-year-old boy was arrested, and he remains in custody for questioning.

Reducing robbery is a force priority for us and we’re running Operation Ruby to tackle those committing these crimes.

From the initial call to report a robbery, right through to charging offenders to court – Operation Ruby is looking at processes and improvements we can make in the service we provide to victims.

Officers are also working to spread crime prevention messaging across the region so people can take all reasonable steps possible to help keep themselves and their belongings safe.