Gran told to bin 8-inch knife she tried to hand in

A GRANDMOTHER who tried to hand in an 8in knife she found while litter-picking says police told her: ‘Go home and put it in your wheelie bin.’

When she stressed that it may have been used in a crime, she claims officers said this was ‘irrelevant’. The nurse said she was left ‘flabbergasted’ – having found the knife near a newly-opened police station.

She picked it up at about 9.30am on Sunday while working with 15 volunteers to clear rubbish in Thornaby, North Yorkshire. As she went through bushes, she spotted the kitchen knife in the undergrowth.

The grandmother, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: ‘The newly opened police station in Thornaby was just across the road so I went over and buzzed on the intercom, only to be told there were no officers there. I called the non-emergency number. The handler said I could either drive to Stockton police station and hand it in or take it home and put it in my wheelie bin.

‘I was flabbergasted. I’ve kept hold of the knife because I have no idea what to do to get rid of it safely. The chances are that it has some kind of evidence on it that could lead to a criminal being caught. I was told that was irrelevant.’

Cleveland Police said: ‘In line with guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the police service will not accept and record found property except under certain circumstances where retention by the finder is not permitted.’