Two teenage boys have been charged in connection with a series of alleged robberies linked to Facebook Marketplace. The investigation began after reports surfaced of robberies involving advertisements for bicycles.

The two 17-year-old boys, whose identities cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, face charges of three counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. They appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 27.

The charges follow an investigation by Greater Manchester Police's Manchester Central Criminal Investigation Department, who reviewed three separate incidents that occurred in the South Manchester area.

The reported incidents took place between December 20 of last year and January 21, where victims arranged to meet individuals online who were purportedly selling bicycles.

In every reported incident, the victims experienced assaults, with one victim sustaining serious injuries, according to Greater Manchester Police.

Sergeant Jonathan Lobley of GMP's Longsight Neighbourhood Crime Team stated, “We are making progress in our investigation following the reports last week. We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim, witnessed similar events, or knows of individuals posting fake ads to commit offences against innocent members of the public, to contact us on 101 so we can act.”