A 15-year-old boy previously arrested for firearms and machete offences was rearrested this week on suspicion of attempted murder, sparking fierce criticism from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley over court bail decisions and the impact of new sentencing reforms.

The teenager was initially arrested on February 25 after being found with a gun and a two-foot machete, police confirmed. He was charged and remanded but later granted bail by the courts.

Despite his serious prior offences, the teen was allegedly involved in a machete stabbing attempt in Thamesmead on Sunday (May 25). He was subsequently rearrested on Tuesday (May 27) in Eltham on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a Class B drug, according to the Met Police.

Sir Mark revealed the incident during a Wednesday morning interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by frontline officers.

“Yesterday we were chasing around a teenager who has been involved in machete attacks, previously arrested for firearms,” Sir Mark said. “We thought he was remanded, but he skipped his bail. We’ve put massive resources into chasing him — and he’s been caught again, with a machete.”

He warned that proposed prison sentencing reforms could worsen the situation by flooding communities with high-risk offenders under probation supervision.

 Sentencing Review Sparks Policing Concerns

The government’s prison reform strategy, outlined last week, includes:

• Early release for some violent and sexual offenders on good behaviour.

• Abolishing short custodial sentences under 12 months.

• Expanding community-based alternatives to jail time.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood argues the changes will reduce reoffending and pressure on prisons. However, Sir Mark warned the strategy would “generate a lot of work for police.”

“Some of those who would’ve been in prison will reoffend — probation can’t do a perfect job. We’ll face more recalls, more surveillance, and more arrests,” he said. “It’s extra work that puts pressure on our officers and resources.”

The Commissioner called for greater accountability and caution when releasing high-risk individuals back into communities.

 Background and Public Safety Debate

This case comes amid rising public concern over knife crime and youth violence in London. In 2024 alone, over 14,000 bladed weapon offences were recorded across the capital — many involving teenagers.

The Met Police continue to push for tougher judicial responses, including longer remand periods for those arrested with weapons.

Anyone with concerns about youth violence or community safety can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.