POLICE officers have been carrying out sweeps in Weston town centre in an effort to tackle knife crime.

Police have searched in both Grove Park and Ashcombe Park.

A North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing spokesperson said: "Further knife sweeps conducted by Town Centre NPT PCSOs today, but this time at Grove Park and Ashcombe Park.

"No knives recovered as a result of the sweeps, however we did not return empty-handed, as one of the Friends of Grove Park volunteers recovered a kitchen knife in the bushes whilst carrying out their maintenance work.

"Knife has been secured and booked into our Evidential Property for destruction.

"This has been done as part of #OpSceptre.

"Carrying a knife can lead to four years in prison, even if you haven’t used it.

"Operation Sceptre is the national week of action highlighting our operational work to tackle, prevent and disrupt knife crime."