Weapons seized in cop knife operation
●
APOLICE knife sweep in Runcorn has uncovered a fearsome array of weapons including an assortment of blades.
The initiative took place last Wednesday, October 10, and focused on Rock Park, Victoria Road subway and Dukesfield.
Pictures published by Runcorn Local Policing Unit revealed the shocking mix of weapons stashed in the bushes, ranging from a small lock knife, ‘kukri’-style machete and sword, to screwdrivers, bike seat, pipes and a wooden training sword.
Officers also found a glass cannabis bong.
Police Dog Toby assisted in the search.
Cheshire Constabulary have not said whether any of the weapons found are believed to be connected to any serious assaults or ongoing investigations.
The initiative was the second knife sweep event to take place in Runcorn in the wake of the fatal stabbing of Runcorn teenager Eddie O’Rourke, 18, who died on September 7.
An earlier event in Halton Brook, heavily publicised before it took place on September 28, found items including hammers, bolt cutters and metal piping.
Runcorn police had launched the Operation Abolish knife crime crackdown in January and February this year, stopping and searching individuals predicted most likely to be carrying a blade, following a wave of bladerelated offences in the town during 2017.
A wider Cheshire initiative, Operation Sceptre, is also under way.
Following the finds, Runcorn police tweeted: “PD Toby has been in Runcorn to assist with a knife sweep in Victoria Road subway, Rock Park and Dukesfield.
“Worrying amount of weapons recovered #OpAbolish #knivestakelives.”
Anyone with any information about knife crime and those carrying blades can report information to Cheshire police on 101, or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively fill in a contact form at www. cheshire.police.uk