OFFICERS from Cheshire Constabulary swept a park in the town centre in search of knives.

The sweep took place this morning, Thursday, as part of the constabulary's Operation Sceptre, which is an increased effort at taking dangerous blades off the county's streets.

Officers from the constabulary are set to be more visible across Warrington and the rest of Cheshire, and members of the police have also been touring schools in the area in a bid to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying knives.

Running throughout this week, Operation Sceptre aims to reduce the impact of knife crime in communities.

Cheshire continues to have one of the lowest rates of knife-related offences, decreasing by 2.4 per cent in the 12 months to March 2023 compared to the previous year.

The force says it remains determined to further reduce the number of knives carried across the county.

Superintendent Andrew Blizard, who is the force’s knife crime lead, said: “Nationally speaking, knife crime is a growing problem.

“Operation Sceptre highlights the great work our officers put in all year round to keep knife-related incidents across Cheshire low.

“We are extremely proud that across our wider Cheshire community knife crime remains low, but we have seen a significant increase in the amount of people possessing knives and bladed weapons – something we as a force cannot let become normalised.

“When someone chooses to carry a knife, it is only a matter of time before they or someone else sustains a life-changing or fatal injury.

“If you choose to carry a knife, you are much more likely to be involved in a knife crime.”

Posting on social media regarding the constabulary's knife sweep of Bank Park in the town centre, Warrington Police said: "We are happy to say that none were found."