Zombie knife seized by police after stop and search in Walton-le-Dale

Officers arrested a 23-year-old man last night after a proactive stop check on an uninsured car.

Lancashire Constabulary's Tactical Operations team stopped the vehicle in Walton-le-Dale at 4.25am during their night patrols.

The vehicle was pulled over and the driver searched by officers.

The team recovered what they described as a 'horrendous looking knife'. The driver was arrested for a number of offences and taken into custody for interview.

Chief Inspector Dave Mangan, of Tactical Operations, said: "The male arrested with the knife was detained by officers during a proactive stop check while he was driving his uninsured car.

"Following a search, he was arrested for possession of class B drugs, offensive weapon and no insurance.

"He’s currently in custody awaiting interview."

Lancashire Constabulary's Tactical Operations team are specially trained to use firearms and offer public order support using mounted and dog units. They patrol roads and motorways across the county using highly trained resources.

What is a zombie knife?

Zombie knives (also known as zombie killer knives or zombie slayer knives) are knives with a cutting or serrated edge.

The knives sometimes have images or words (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest the blade is intended for the purpose of violence (Brands include 'Headsmasher' and 'Headsplitter').

Sale of the knives, which are available online for as little as £8, were banned in the UK in 2016. Anyone caught breaking the law can face up to four years in jail.

Earlier this year, 'The Offensive Weapons Bill' went further and made possession also illegal.