'ZOMBIE' knives, swords, lock knives and ceremonial blades can be disposed of during an amnesty this week.

Dorset Police will accept unwanted knives and bladed items at designated police stations between today (Tuesday, September 18) and Friday, September 21.

Members of the public who bring blades in during the amnesty will not be prosecuted.

All types of knife can be disposed of during the break.

Anyone wishing to dispose of a knife can do so anonymously at stations in Blandford, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.

Superintendent Jared Parkin, Dorset Police's knife crime lead, said: “In Dorset knife crime does not reach the levels that are reported in some major metropolitan areas of the country.

“However, this week we are supporting the national knife amnesty as part of our ongoing local approach. Focusing on prevention is key, as any knife taken out of circulation and off the street helps to prevent injuries and deaths.

“Carrying a knife or bladed article is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous.

“Dorset Police’s message is simple: no good can come of carrying a knife.”

Between January and July 2018, there were 237 crimes where a knife was used to commit an offence. More than 100 searches for knives have been carried out since the beginning of 2018.

During those searches, a knife was found on 12 occasions, and police interviewed 15 people suspected of possession of a knife.

Dorset's police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill said: "I would encourage anyone to take this opportunity to dispose of a knife safely and anonymously.

“Knife crime has a devastating effect on people’s lives and is causing concern for communities locally and nationally. We must take every opportunity to make people aware that carrying a knife can have extremely serious consequences and doing so poses a serious danger to themselves and to others.”

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison.