POLICE are calling on anyone with information about people who go out with weapons to get in touch, during a week of action to fight knife crime.

Northumbria Police will take part in Operation Sceptre this week – a combined effort aimed at reducing the devastating effects knife crime can have on our communities.

Officers will carry out targeted activity across the force’s towns and cities – from weapons sweeps to extra patrols – and urges the public to help.

During the week of action last September, the force recovered 326 blades – including knuckle duster knives, samurai swords, machetes and Gurkha knives and arrested 16 people who were wanted for weapons offences.

Detective Inspector John Connolly said: “We have seen a number of high-profile cases and attacks involving knives across the country and we know this a growing concern.

“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.

“Operation Sceptre is not just one week of action but an extension of the relentless work our officers carry out as part of our dedicated drive to reduce the impact of knife crime in our communities.

“I would urge anybody who has any information about people going out with a weapon to come forward. Share that information with police, so we can act now.”

He said the area has low levels of knife crime compared to other big cities across the country, but that the force is not complacent, adding that any incident is one too many.

To report knife crime, call 101.