AN interactive campaign to reduce knife crime among young people has been launched.

The Yorkshire Crimestoppers initiative targets teenagers aged between 13 and 16.

The charity has produced posters and cards encouraging young people to visit www.gameover4knives.com.

The campaign uses a computer game-style program to tell the story of a young person who becomes a victim of knife crime.

It shows someone calling Crimestoppers anonymously to pass on information, which is used by police to arrest the perpetrators.

DC Kevin Mosley, from Yorkshire and Humber Crimestoppers, said: "Knives and weapons have become a major cause of people fearing crime while out in the community.

"This is why this campaign is so simple in that it allows people from all age groups to contact Crimestoppers and pass on information about individuals who carry knives.

"We do not want thugs out on the streets feeling arrogant and that they can't be touched by the law.

"Hopefully this gives out a clear message, if you carry a knife you may be the next person to be arrested."

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Melville, from the Association of Chief Police Officers, added: "We are pleased to support the Crimestoppers campaign in an effort to reduce the harm caused to individuals and communities by the violent use of knives.

"We would encourage any young person who is a victim of knife crime to report it to police, to help us take off the streets those individuals who can wreck peoples lives."