Police find terrifying 2ft-long machete when they stop and search 15-year-old boy in north London 

A teenager was found to have a 2-ft long machete when he was stopped by police in a routine stop and search operation in north London.

A video shows the 15-year-old boy handcuffed with his back against the wall of a shop while two plain-clothes officers hold him.

One of the officers can be seen holding the large machete, which was still in its sheath, while talking to the boy. 

The stop and search was conducted by local police officers in Cricklewood as part of their efforts to crack down on knife crime in the area.

The officers immediately confiscated the weapon and the individual was taken into custody for further questioning.

A teenager was found to have a 2-ft long machete when he was stopped by police in a routine stop and search operation in north London

The stop and search was conducted by local police officers in Cricklewood as part of their efforts to crack down on knife crime in the area

The recording shows the officer telling the youth he was under arrest for possession of a weapon and checking on the youth’s condition.

He said: ‘Obviously the situation is s***, but physically you’re all right yeah?’

The boy remained silent throughout the duration of the video but nodded in response to the officer’s question.

A spokesperson for Met Police said: ‘On the afternoon of Saturday, 8 April, officers on patrol in the area of Cricklewood Broadway stopped and searched a 15-year-old boy who was found with a knife.

‘On Sunday, 9 April, he was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

‘He will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 April.’