HUNDREDS of knives and sharp weapons handed in as part of a knife amnesty will be melted down to make a sculpture dedicated to victims of knife crime.

More than 245 knives were handed in to Cleveland Police during a two-week amnesty.

“Surrender a Knife” was run in conjunction with the British Ironwork Centre who provided secure bins which were placed in police stations across the Cleveland force area.

The centre has pledged to melt down all the items handed in across the country and make a sculpture dedicated to victims of knife crime.

People were encouraged to hand in potentially dangerous items, which could fall into the wrong hands and end up being used in crime.

The knife bins in the police stations were easily accessible so items could be posted safety and anonymously.

Officers say the hundreds of knives, pointed items and other blades were placed in bins at the police stations in Hartlepool, Stockton, Thornaby, Billingham, Middlesbrough, Coulby Newham, Kirkleatham, Eston, Redcar Town, Guisborough and Saltburn.

Chief Insp Tariq Ali said: “We are pleased with the response we have had in Cleveland.

"Each item handed in represents one less potentially dangerous knife which could end up being used to harm someone or used in other crime."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Barry Coppinger added: “Keeping our communities safe from harm is at the heart of what we do.

"I am delighted that residents have got on board with this campaign and have shown their support. The sculpture proposed by the British Ironwork Centre will be a lasting and fitting tribute to victims of this awful crime.”