Residents in Carlisle are being urged to hand in their 'zombie knives' and machetes.

The plea comes from police, fire and crime commissioner David Allen and Carlisle MP Julie Minns.

The call for action is part of an amnesty surrender scheme that allows people to hand over these types of weapons safely and legally to police stations across the county.

This initiative follows the Government's announcement that owning certain types of 'zombie knives' and machetes will become illegal under new legislation set to take effect on Tuesday, September 24.

Mr Allen said: "Knife crime has a detrimental effect on not only the victim but on families, friends, and communities as a whole.

"There is absolutely no need for anyone to be carrying zombie knives or machetes on our streets or own one at all.

“The fact is if you carry it, you are more likely to use it, have it used against you or encourage others to do so - and this is what we want to avoid. Therefore, I am encouraging anyone that has these types of knives to hand them in to a police station that is part of the amnesty."

He continued: “To be very clear - after the amnesty has ended on 24 September, if you are caught with these types of knives, you will face prosecution.

“Cumbria is a safe place to live and we all want to protect the county’s safety so it is imperative that we work together to reduce knife crime in to the county."

Mr Allen also highlighted the importance of working together to reduce knife crime in the county.

He revealed that between January and March, the criminal justice system dealt with 141 knife and offensive weapon offenders in Cumbria, 25.5 per cent of which were repeat offenders.

He said: "I want to be incredibly clear – if you are a repeat offender in Cumbria you will face the full force of the law.

"There is absolutely no excuse for carrying any weapons on our streets.

“Do the right thing – hand your ‘zombie knives’ and machetes in to the police before the 24 September and keep yourself and others safe."

Mr Allen also encouraged residents to voice any concerns about crime in their area, or about the constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, to him directly.

Carlisle MP Julie Minns added: "The Government is committed to halving serious violence, and rebuilding confidence in policing and the criminal justice system.

"The local knife amnesty is the first – and necessary - step in a series of actions locally and nationally, to steer teenagers away from crime."

She also referred to a recent announcement from the home secretary about guidelines for how networks of police, mental health professionals, schools, youth offending teams, and charities can work together to help give teenagers their future back.

Those wishing to hand in a knife can do so at Durranhill Police Station, Brunel Way, CA1 3NQ.

The station is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.