Two knives are seized from pupils
TWO knives have been seized from pupils at secondary schools in Rochdale during a sweep by police.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s School Engagement team seized the weapons during visits across the borough this week.
One of the knives was seized from a year 7 pupil.
School Engagement Officer Ben Butterworth, of GMP’S Rochdale unit, has issued a reminder to parents about the dangers of children possessing knives.
In a statement, GMP said: “Two knives were seized this week by our School Engagement Officer Ben Butterworth - taken from pupils of Secondary Schools across the borough, one of which was a year 7 Child.
“Parents, please be extra vigilant about knowing the knives in your home.
“A knife taken by a child, even in selfdefence or when not intended to harm someone, could lead to serious implications.”
The seized weapons come following a dedicated week-long operation from police to tackle knife crime across Greater Manchester.
The Operation Sceptre initiative is carried out twice a year and sees officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, weapon sweeps, and education sessions in schools to explain the dangers and consequences that come from carrying a knife.
Since 2019, over 4,000 weapons have been seized as part of Operation Sycamore and over 3,500 knives have been deposited as part of the GMP Forever Amnesty. » If you wish to report an incident or knife to GMP, please call 101 or message via Livechat at www.gmp.police.uk. » Information, reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org.