Seven shops sold knives to children in tests

Seven shops in part of Lancashire were found to have illegally sold knives to teenagers during undercover tests.

Young volunteers tried to purchase knives across 34 stores in the county as part of the Sceptre national initiative, which aims to tackle knife crime.

Lancashire Constabulary said of the 34 test purchase visits, 27 passed but seven failed and are now facing further action.

The joint operation between police and trading standards also resulted in the removal of 400 knives off streets in Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire.

Knife surrender bins across Lancashire Police's South Division were emptied, in which 431 knives were recovered.

Police said weapons included machetes, swords and flick knives.

Weapon sweeps in local parks and public spaces also resulted in the seizure of an electric BB gun.

Sgt Rachel Killinger said: "We continue to carry out this work and hope that it sends out the message that there is no place for knife crime in South Lancashire."

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Carrying or using knives is completely unacceptable, and no one should have to live in fear of such dangerous weapons in their community."

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