Officers have tested a new knife arch in Stoke-on-Trent as part of "proactive efforts" to tackle knife crime.

Funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a partner of the Staffordshire Police Ditch the Blade campaign, the knife arch was positioned in the entrance of Hanley bus station, scanning people as they entered and left on Wednesday 20 May.

The arch is portable and works instantly. It flashes red if there is a positive result for a metal object and the person will then be searched by officers.

Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, force lead for knife crime, said: "This new knife arch will be used across the city at various upcoming events and throughout the summer.

"It allows officers to be visible in areas of high footfall and educate people about knife crime and the consequences of carrying one.

"We will continue to take robust action against those who carry weapons in Stoke-on-Trent and wider Staffordshire and encourage anyone carrying a knife to surrender it anonymously through the local network of knife surrender banks."

Staffordshire Police explained that alongside knife arches, the force is also using education and enforcement to try to reduce the number of knives in the area.

To find out more about the Ditch the Blade campaign and to find a nearby knife surrender bank, visit the website here.

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