Police are supporting a national week-long knife crime campaign.

Op Sceptre aims to remove ‘potentially dangerous and harmful blades’ from the streets and sees amnesty bins set up at police stations for people to dispose of knives anonymously and safely.

As part of the week, officers will be going into schools to teach young people about the consequences of carrying knives, while neighbourhood officers will carry out test purchasing operations to ensure shops aren’t selling knives to children.

Chief inspector Steve Hunter said: “Any incident that escalates to the point where a knife is pulled has the potential to end in tragedy – and it can often be for the person in possession of the blade.

“Cumbria is one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit however we have had some high-profile incidents, some of which have ended in people losing their lives.

“It is important that, as a community, we do not take knife crime lightly if we are to maintain Cumbria’s position as one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.

“I would urge people to take this opportunity to speak with family members about the dangers knives pose.”

Someone in possession of a knife could face a fine of £5k and a four-year prison sentence.

Inspector Hunter added: “This coming week provides an ideal opportunity to come forward and rid themselves of a knife, anonymously.

“It is a quick process, and your action will help make your community a safer place.

“Every knife or blade that is handed in is one less weapon which could fall into the wrong hands.”

Anyone wishing to hand a knife or bladed article in is asked to put them in a box or strong bag, and to go directly to a designated station when handing in such items.

The stations where you can hand your knives or bladed articles in are: Carlisle; Workington; Whitehaven; Kendal and; Barrow.