Combat knife and machete found during police searches

Police were searching hedges, bushes and areas where knives and weapons might be discarded

Several knives have been found hidden in hedges and bushes as part of a police operation.

The discovery was part of a community day of action as Wiltshire Police officers carried out searches in areas where blades might be discarded.

A machete, a combat knife, a baseball bat and three kitchen knives were found in Eldene, Swindon on Wednesday.

The force said it will now carry out tests to see if any of the items can be linked to people or offences.

The items will then be sent for destruction.

The force said further searches will take place across Swindon, in order to "get these knives off the streets"

Wiltshire Police's Harm Reduction Team targeted areas where locals have raised concern and also searched areas in Priory Vale, North Swindon, but no suspicious items were found.

Officers said further sweeps will be carried out across the Swindon area to identify hidden weapons and get knives off the streets.

Anyone who has concerns, or knows of any areas where police should be searching are urged to contact the police.

Several knives were found during searches in Eldene, Swindon