Over 20 knife crime arrests

Northumbria Police have made 21 arrests as part of a week of national action in an effort to keep streets free of knife crime.

Northumbria Police have made 21 arrests across the North East following a week of national action to reduce the amount of knife crime on streets.

It was part of Operation Sceptre – a combined effort aimed at reducing the devastating effects that knife crime has on people living in our communities.

There were four arrests in both Sunderland and Northumberland, South Tyneside saw two people arrested.

As well as the arrests, 18 knives and weapons, including a claw hammer, stun gun and machete, were recovered.

Detective Inspector John Connolly, from Northumbria Police’s Crime Department said: “Our officers work hard every day to make sure that our communities are kept safe from knife crime.

“This week was an extension of the hard work being carried out day-in-day-out to make sure dangerous individuals are pursued and our communities are protected from the devastating impact of knife crime.

“Carrying a knife is never acceptable, and even in these unprecedented times, we are still doing everything we can to reassure our communities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness added: “Results like this reaffirm our zero tolerance stance on knife crime.

“My thanks go out to the Force for reassuring our communities during these extremely difficult times, and for their efforts in this successful Operation.”

Last September, over 300 weapons were recovered.