Week-long crackdown on knife crime begins

Knife bins will be available in 10 locations across the Northumbria Police force area

A police force is holding a week-long knife amnesty so people can hand over blades "safely and securely".

Northumbria Police has placed knife surrender bins in a number of stations as part of a wider crackdown dubbed Operation Sceptre which runs until 17 November.

Ch Supt Joanne Park-Simmons said people who use knives "not only ruin their lives and the lives of their victims, but also the lives of their own family and friends".

"This is not something policing can tackle alone – everyone can play their part in keeping our region safe."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said carrying a knife makes you "likely to use it", adding: "Too often we have seen lives lost, futures destroyed and families left heartbroken."

Surrender bins are in place at the following police stations:

• Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick and Hexham in Northumberland

• Middle Engine Lane in Wallsend

• Etal Lane and Forth Banks in Newcastle

• Gateshead

• Millbank in South Shields

• Southwick in Sunderland