Amsterdam police have made an ’emotional appeal’ after finding a group of young teenagers armed with large knives when they were called to deal with a mugging.

Some of the children were as young as 12, prompting the arresting officer in the suburb of Buitenveldert to appeal to parents and teachers to get involved.

‘This is the suspects’ arsenal,’ the police officer wrote on Facebook. ‘Their average age is 12 and 13. I am speechless.’

The officer called on parents to find out more about what their children are up to. The police, he said, are extremely concerned that there will be many more incidents if nothing is done to stop young children carrying knives.