Police step up fight on knife crime

Amnesty bins set up at bus station

- Dave Knapper

PREVENTION: Police set up a 'knife arc' at Hanley Bus Station as part of a crackdown on weapons in the city.

POLICE have carried out checks at Hanley Bus Station as a drive to get knives off the streets gets under way.

Senior officers have spoken of the 'devastating impact' knife crime has on North Staffordshire as the latest campaign starts.

Every year Staffordshire Police give their backing to Operation Sceptre - a 'week of action' to raise awareness over the consequences of carrying a knife. This week, cops will be carrying out searches to remove lethal blades.

During the force's Ditch the Blade campaign, amnesty bins are set up where people can hand in knives.

Cops say tackling the issue remains a top priority.