GROUP OF TEENS CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY, POLICE PURSUIT, DRUG POSSESSION

Five North Coast teenagers, aged 12 to 16, have been charged with several armed robbery and driving offences.

It’s alleged the group entered a shop on in Byron Bay just before midday on February 24, and stole goods, before a teenage girl punched an employee.

The teens left, attended a nearby supermarket and allegedly stole goods, before threatening an employee with a knife.

Two days later, the group entered a shopping centre at Tweed Heads South just before 4pm.

They allegedly stole goods and threatenned an employee with a knife.

On February 28 police saw a black Audi, believed to be stolen, travelling south on the M1 near Kingscliff, just before 11am

A pursuit began, before the driver crashed the car.

A 14-year-old boy was driving, and a 12-year-old boy was in the passenger seat.

Both were arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for observation, before being taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.

Police later found a 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl and 15 year-old-girl in a makeshift campsite with weapons and stolen goods at Kingscliff.

The teens were charged with 21 offences in total, including armed robbery, police pursuit, larceny, and possessing a prohibited drug.

All five will face children’s court later this month.