AN anti-knife crime initiative in Cheshire saw 42 people arrested and 48 blades seized.

Cheshire Police were among those participating in Operation Sceptre, a week-long national campaign to tackle to criminals who use knives while also educating the public on the dangers they pose.

In Crewe, officers seized knives as well as a knuckle duster and a BB gun during a series of dawn raids.

They also distributed bleeding control kits at various locations in the town centre, including Crewe Railway Station. These contain equipment and instructions that enable members of the public to prevent knife crime victims from bleeding to death.

Several knife sweeps were also conducted and knife crime presentations were given to schools and colleges.

Across Cheshire police also collected another 226 weapons via 15 surrender bins; stopped and searched 156 people; executed nine warrants in relation to knife crime; and handed out Knife Crime Warning Notices at 14 homes

Retailers that sell knives were told to give product placement advice and warned about selling knives to anyone under 18.

Pop-up police stations were also mounted at seven knife crime hotspot areas to enable people with any concerns to speak in confidence with officers.

Cheshire Police's knife crime lead, Chief Inspector Sarah Heath, said: "We are proud of the fact that Cheshire has a lower rate of knife crime than most other counties in England, with the number of knife-related offences committed in the county having decreased by 24 per cent from the end of March 2020 to the end of March 2021.

"When people carry knives, it is only a matter of time before someone suffers life-changing injuries or is killed, and if you carry a knife then you are much more likely to be involved in a knife crime.

"As all the statistics show, carrying a knife doesn't make you safer.

"Our goal is to achieve weapons-free streets throughout the county and we endeavour – through education, awareness and action – to make Cheshire an area where no-one carries a knife, or feels that there is a reason to do so."

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via.