Three teenagers have been arrested after delivery riders were threatened at knifepoint in Gloucester.

It follows reports of three separate incidents involving youths attempting to steal the bicycles of fast-food workers.

The first incident happened at around 8.50pm on Monday, November 13. A person making deliveries had been collecting food from McDonald's on Westgate Street and returned to his bike to find two young people attempting to steal it.

When he tried to stop them, they pulled a knife on him before making off on the stolen bicycle.

The second incident took place at around 8.40pm on Friday, November 17, on Gouda Way. Two young people attempted to rob a delivery person of his bike. When he tried to stop them, a further five teenagers approached with one of them believed to be carrying a bladed weapon.

The group then made off with two being caught and arrested by police. Officers also recovered a samurai sword.

Five young people then attempted to steal another bike outside McDonald's on Westgate Street at around 9.40pm on Saturday, November 18, before making off.

Three boys, aged 13, 14 and 17, have been arrested in connection with the incidents. They have all been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Ash Gardner said: "These are particularly nasty attacks on delivery people who are simply trying to go about their business.

"We will not tolerate these incidents and will continue to do all we can to ensure the people of Gloucester are able to feel safe in their communities."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 444 of November 18.