Weapons seized in police clampdown

WEAPONS including swords and throwing stars were seized from Cheshire streets during a fourday police crackdwon.

From December 2-5, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) seized 180 weapons during a blitz across Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and North Wales.

In Cheshire, there were seven knives, three swords, three knuckledusters. three batons and a throwing star, sometimes called a ninja star – a Japanese type of circular edged weapon.

In Merseyside, 19 knuckledusters, six batons, five swords and three knives were seized.

Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police forces had the highest number of weapons seized, with 37 and 74 respectively.

During the week, more than 100 ‘cease and desist’ letters were issued across the North West, which aim to educate potential buyers of illegal knives and discourage further offending.

Detective Superintendent Ryan Davies, from the North West ROCU, said: “Thanks to this intelligence-led, co-ordinated operation a significant number of knives and weapons have been seized and won’t make it to the streets of our region, where they can cause serious harm.

“This operation is a powerful example of how collaborative working is making a difference in the fight against serious and organised crime in the northwest.’’

Det Supt Davies added: “Be warned, anyone who is thinking about buying knives or weapons either online or by any other means from overseas, you are committing an offence by bringing them into the country.

“You face the full force of the law if you do so.”

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Knives, knuckledusters and swords have been seized by North West police forces during the last week in a drive to combat organised crime. Officers warn that importing knives from abroad over the internet is a criminal offence