SINGAPORE, Dec 28 — The three boys arrested outside 112 Katong mall yesterday “were handcuffed for the safety of them and others”, said a police statement today.

At 9.33am, Facebook user Shan Ang posted a photo of police officers handcuffing three young boys outside the shopping mall along East Coast Road.

Ang wrote: “I just saw three very young kids under handcuffs. Pains my heart that the police handcuff young kids.”

Police later confirmed the arrests.

“Police received a call on 27 December 2014 at about 8.09 am requesting for assistance at a building along East Coast Road. Upon Police’s arrival, it was established that a case of Theft from Person had occurred.

“Three male subjects were arrested in relation to the case. The subjects were handcuffed for the safety of them and others as they had attempted to escape before Police arrival.”

A police spokesperson informed TODAY that the boys were later driven to a police station. 

Police investigations are ongoing. — Today