Deadly swords, military weapons and knuckle dusters were handed into police during a knife amnesty.

A total of 47 blades were handed into Watford Police Station between September 18 and 24.

Hertfordshire Constabulary took part in the knife amnesty to help get blades off the streets as part of Operation Sceptre.

Due to an increase in knife-related incidents across the country over the last three years, the amnesty provided a great opportunity to issue some strong messages and advice about the risks of carrying a knife in public.

Other activities carried out during the campaign included test purchasing operations with cadets, to ensure retailers were adhering to laws regarding knife sales to those under 18.

Police and crime commissioner for hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: “The Operation Sceptre amnesties form a key part of Hertfordshire’s Serious Violence Strategy to reduce the number of knives on the streets and also provide an opportunity to raise awareness of this issue.

“It is great that there has been a positive response to this campaign and a number of knives have been surrendered. However, we all need to continue to work together In Hertfordshire to educate young people about the dangers of knives and crack down on those who are carrying weapons.”

Inspector Andrew Palfreyman from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, who led the campaign, said: “We have had a great response from the public and who have handed more knives than during our last amnesty.

"The amnesties are a good way to reduce the number of knives in circulation and we have also carried out a number of knife detection and test purchasing operations."

During the amnesty 200 knives were deposited in the bins at police stations. Hatfield saw 90, and Stevenage saw 52, with a further 11 at an event in Waltham Cross.