Hundreds of knives have been surrendered in amnesty bins across Greater Manchester as part of a week-long campaign.

368 blades were dropped in amnesty bins across the region as part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign dedicated to reducing knife crime.

The operation ran from 17-23 November, and saw Greater Manchester Police (GMP) carrying out a week of education and enforcement around knife crime.

As well as encouraging knives to be given up, GMP also carried out test purchases in shops, sending police cadets to try and buy knives undercover.

Many retailers passed the test, refusing to sell knives to the underage cadets.

Officers also seized a further 63 knives and made 116 arrests as part of the operation.

Operation Sceptre saw a week of intensification around tackling knife crime (Images - GMP)

Superintendent Richard Thompson, who leads GMP's response to knife crime and serious violence said the force was 'committed' to reducing knife crime.

"This is not just down to arresting those involved with knife crime", Supt Thompson said.

"Aside from the test purchasing operations we conducted; we visited 118 retailers to educate and inform them on the proper way to display knives, ensuring they are being covered clearly by CCTV to deter those who are looking to purchase knives intent on harm.

"For the community, these results mean working towards our overarching commitment of safer streets to address the root causes of knife crime and working toward long-term prevention."

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "These results are a testament to the proactive work of GMP to make our streets and communities safer.

"Positive community engagement work is key to preventing young people carrying knives and tackling the root causes of this, and I am proud of the work that GMP is doing here."

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