Police find deadly knife discarded on a Leyland street

Sgt Anthony Burgess said the 7-inch blade was discovered by one of his officers during patrols on Saturday evening (November 14).

He did not say whereabouts in Leyland the knife was found, but it follows a week of intense police action targeting knife crime in Lancashire.

The week-long national initiative, named Operation Sceptre, saw officers out in force searching through hedges, disused sheds and even school grounds for blades which may have been hidden or discarded.

Sgt Anthony Burgess said: "This knife was located by one of my officers in the Leyland area. That's one less knife on the streets that will be sent off for destruction."

The search has uncovered a number of discarded weapons, including a deadly 'Black Panther' machete in the Broadgate area of Preston, as well as a knife hidden in a school play area.

Knife offences in Lancashire have soared by 65 per cent in less than 10 years, and just yesterday (Sunday, November 15), a 25-year-old man was stabbed to death in Preston.

Two men, aged 25 and 24, both from Preston, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody.

Chief Inspector Steve Anderton said: “If you carry a knife you’re more likely to get hurt. And when an incident happens its effects go beyond the victim and extends to their families – their parents, their siblings, their partner, and their children.

"Physical wounds act as a lifetime reminder and the emotional trauma remains with the family forever.

"Entering lockdown again presents a second opportunity for those involved in knives and violence to make a change. We urge you to use this time to reflect.

"Fortunately, knife crime in Lancashire is relatively low, but at the end of the day one incident is one too many and we are committed to tackling violent crime and keeping our communities safe."

What is Operation Sceptre?

Operation Sceptre is a national week of intense police action to help raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and the work being done to stop it.

During last year's Operation Sceptre, almost 150 knives were voluntarily handed in to Lancashire Police.

Lancashire Police have also brought in knife surrender bins for the public to hand in weapons. These are permanently available outside Leyland Police Station, Leyland Leisure Centre and Kingsfold Community Centre in Penwortham.

If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, you contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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