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More than 400 knives were taken off the streets in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire during a week of action, police said.

The West Mercia force stated officers conducted 82 weapon sweeps in areas known for depositing weapons.

It said 15 people were arrested as part of Operation Sceptre earlier this month.

Officers also visited schools and community centres to talk about knife crime, which the force said involved 6,500 young people.

Insp Mike Phillips said it was important that work continued year-round to keep knives off the streets: "If you are worried that someone you know is carrying a knife, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them."

The force has knife surrender bins at police stations, where blades can be safely deposited.

The region's Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, added: "We know that knife crime is a social issue and while rates are low in West Mercia, I will continue to provide West Mercia Police with the tools and resources it needs to keep knives off our streets."

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