SIXTEEN potentially deadly weapons are now off the streets of Halton thanks to the national knife amnesty.

In Widnes, six domestic knives, one non-domestic knife and a weapon have been handed in during the first week. In Runcorn, the trend is reversed with no domestic knives received but seven non-domestic and a scalpel handed in.

Cheshire Police say a total of 70 knives and weapons have been handed in across the northern area of the county.

"If you have a knife or weapon of any kind there's still time to drop it into the knife amnesty bin at your local police station," said Ch Ins Chris Clarke. "You won't be questioned."

The amnesty runs until Friday, June 30. Any blade over three inches is illegal when carried in a public place.