Police urge surrender of 'zombie' knives ahead of ban

A zombie-style knife with a green handle and a skull an cross bone in green on the blade sits on the ground, with other, similar blades surrounding it. PA Media

It will be illegal to own a zombie-style knife and machete from September

Gemma Sherlock
BBC News, Liverpool

People on Merseyside are being urged to hand in zombie-style knives and machetes ahead of a ban next month.

Merseyside Police is joining other forces as part of a nationwide surrender scheme before the weapons are banned under new legislation.

It means people can hand in the weapons at police stations without repercussions and could even receive compensation if they meet government criteria.

Weapons can be handed in at certain police stations in Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley and Sefton until 23 September.

From 24 September, it will be illegal to own, sell, manufacture or transport certain styles of zombie knives and machetes.

Zombie-style knives and machetes are defined as weapons with blades over eight inches (20cm) in length that normally have a serrated cutting edge.

A loophole meaning the weapons could be kept and sold if they did not have images depicting violence on their handles will be closed when the Offensive Weapons Act comes into effect next month.

When bringing a knife to a police station for surrender, the public are being asked to wrap it up securely and place it in a sealed bag or box which must stay covered at all times.

They must also bring a completed surrender claim form which can be found via the government website.

'No good reason'

Supt Phil Mullally said knife-enabled serious violence had reduced by 27.8%, with 341 fewer offences compared to 2021-2022.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “There is no good reason for owning a ‘zombie knife’ or machete.

“Each and every weapon surrendered makes our communities safer".

Merseyside Police said weapons could be surrendered at the following stations:

  • St Anne Street Police Station, Liverpool

  • Birkenhead Police Station, Mortimer Street, Wirral

  • Huyton Police Station, Lathom Road, Knowsley

  • St Helens Police Station, College Street, St Helens

  • Southport Police Station, Albert Road, Sefton

  • Admiral Street Police Station, Liverpool

  • Wallasey Police Station, Manor Road, Wirral

  • Kirkby Police Station, Webster Drive, Knowsley

  • Newton-Le-Willows Police Station, Earlestown, St Helens

  • Marsh Lane Police Station, Sefton.

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