Machete discovered near children's play park

The weapon was discovered during a knife sweep

Police have asked people to be vigilant after a machete was discovered near a play park.

Wiltshire Police officers found the weapon hidden under a hedgerow in north Swindon.

The Swindon North, East and Rural neighbourhood policing team said the discovery was "an example" of why knife sweeps are carried out.

"Though it's not an everyday occurrence, there are knives like this being concealed in our communities which obviously pose a risk to the public, especially when they are found by children," the team said.

"We would appeal for people to be vigilant, and call us immediately if they find anything suspicious."

The force posted an image of the weapon on social media, showing it to be slightly larger than a 17 inch (43cm) standard computer keyboard.