THESE are some of the dangerous weapons handed in at police stations during a week-long knife amnesty.

The 59 knives were deposited in bins placed in front offices of Avon and Somerset Police main stations and buildings.

Bridgwater Mercury:

The initiative was part of Operation Sceptre, a nationwide effort tackling knife crime using a range of different tactics including amnesty bins, education, targeted patrols of hotspot areas and test purchases.

Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn, force lead on knife crime, said: “Our focus throughout the week was very much on education – going into schools and delivering hard hitting workshops which brought home the impact knives can have not just on individuals but on families and communities.

Bridgwater Mercury:

“We want to dispel the myth that knives are somehow cool and highlight that they are potentially extremely dangerous weapons and being in possession of one can carry a prison sentence of up to four years even if it's not used.

“The amnesty bins were another element of the campaign, the purpose of which was to offer people the chance to surrender any knives or bladed weapons without fear of prosecution.

Bridgwater Mercury:

“The response we have had to the whole operation has been great – we have taken a large amount of weapons off our streets and prevented them from getting into the wrong hands or used to cause harm or distress and hopefully reduced the number of young people carrying knives."

Click here for details on the law regarding knives.