Dozens of knives handed in during week-long scheme

Police said the county had been made a safer place by having the knives off the streets

Dozens of knives have been handed in as part of a week-long amnesty.

Cumbria Police said about 40 were surrendered at stations across the county during a national campaign called Operation Sceptre.

Officers visited schools in the area to warn about the dangers of knife crime and also staged presentations attended by more than 350 youngsters at Barrow Town Hall.

Ch Insp Sam Turner said the events showed the importance of "engaging with people at an early age".

He added: "Someone in possession of a knife is not only increasing the risk of harm to themselves but could also face a fine of £5,000 and a four-year prison sentence.

"We will continue to support the national Operation Sceptre as we continue to do all we can to ensure Cumbria remains amongst the safest places in the country."

The county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, described education as being "the key to prevention".

He said: "By speaking to our young people about the consequences of committing knife crime we can prevent, reduce or stop future tragedies.

"Knife crime can have devastating effects on communities as a whole – not just the victim and perpetrator.

"Carrying a knife in public can never be acceptable. We need to tackle it head on and stop it."