It can quickly escalate situations - police issue statement on why they were at Moor Park in Preston

Police have released a statement on why they descended on Moor Park in Preston yesterday afternoon.

They have been carrying out weapon sweeps in the area as part of Sceptre - a national initiative focused on tackling knife crime and keeping communities safe.

A spokesperson for police said: “You might have seen some of our officers out and about in Moor Park yesterday.

“They’ve been carrying out weapon sweeps in the area as part of Sceptre.

“The good news? No weapons found!”

Throughout this week officers will also be carrying out high-visibility hotspot patrols, delivering educational sessions in school and colleges to raise awareness and working with shops to highlight the responsible sale of knives.

They added: “Carrying a knife does not make you safer….it increases the risk of harm to you and others and can quickly escalate situations.”