Cheshire Police have launched a week-long operation as they look to clamp down on knife crime.

Operation Sceptre gets underway on Monday, May 18, as part of a national campaign aiming to reduce the impact of knife crime.

The most recent crime stats have shown a 27 per cent reduction in knife crime across Cheshire and the force will be working to ensure the downward trend continues.

Chief Inspector Joe McNally, the lead for Knife Crime at Cheshire Constabulary, said: "While knife crime in Cheshire remains comparatively low when compared to other forces in England and Wales, we will not become complacent, and we remain committed to doing all we can to tackle the issue.

"With that in mind, Sceptre is an excellent opportunity for us to highlight the outstanding level of work undertaken by our officers and staff on a daily basis to help keep Cheshire weapons free.

"Our officers will be engaging with the county's retailers who have a crucial role to play in ensuring these potentially dangerous and lethal weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.

"We'll also be visiting schools across the county to educate our young people about the dangers of knife crime and dispel the myth that you need to carry a knife in order to feel safe. When someone chooses to carry a knife, it is only a matter of time before they, or someone else, sustains a life-changing or fatal injury. If you choose to carry a knife, you are much more likely to be involved in knife crime.

"When it comes to issues as serious as knife crime, it is so important that everyone feels that they can come forward to us with any issues, so we can take swift and immediate action, so, over the course of this week, we will also be working with our partner organisations, including local authorities, charities, third-sector organisations, youth representatives and community groups as we continue to keep Cheshire a hostile environment for anyone who chooses to pick up a blade."

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As part of this year's campaign officers will be visiting schools across the county to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.

They will also be conducting test purchases at retail stores, as well as educating retailers on the correct laws and regulations that prevent blades falling into the wrong hands.

Residents will also have a number of opportunities to safely dispose of any knives, bladed weapons and knuckle dusters into designated surrender points across the county.

Other activities during the operation will include community knife sweeps, engagement in the community, as well as an increased visible policing presence to provide reassurance.