A KNIFE surrender will be held by Northumbria Police.

Throughout next week, the force will join with others across the country to take part in Operation Sceptre – a combined effort aimed at reducing the devastating effects of knife crime.

Members of the public are encouraged to leave any knives or sharp objects which they fear could fall into the wrong hands and be used in criminal activity in surrender bins.

Officers will also carry out targeted activity from weapon sweeps to increased patrols and engage with young people, delivering workshops and sessions to raise awareness of the devastation carrying knives can cause.

Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan, Northumbria Police’s lead for serious and violent crime, said: "Recently, we have seen a number of high-profile cases and attacks involving knives across the country and this has understandably raised concerns. “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the people living in our communities that we take a very strong stance on knife crime and on all forms of serious violence. I would also like to stress that our area continues to experience low levels of knife crime compared to other big cities across the country, but that said, we are not complacent and any incident is one too many. We are fully committed to making the streets we live and work as safe as we can.”

If any items are found to contain DNA linked to a crime an investigation will be carried out and the knives will ultimately be destroyed by the Force’s armoury. Secure bins will be at Bedlington, Middle Engine Lane, Forth Banks, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Southwick police stations, for details visit northumbria.police.uk