A record number of knives have been surrendered in Hertfordshire as the latest knife amnesty comes to a close.

This latest amnesty between March 11 to March 17 has resulted in the largest haul to date of unwanted knives and other potential weapons in the county.

The amnesty was part of a national campaign, Operation Sceptre, being run by police forces across the country to reduce the number of illegal knives in circulation.

During the amnesty 680 knives were deposited in the bins at police stations in Hatfield (216), Stevenage (105) and Watford (78) which included swords, military knives, knuckle dusters and a large amount of kitchen knives.

Over 250 items were surrendered during operations in Hertsmere, 21 were surrendered at bins in St Albans Civic Centre and seven knives were also surrendered in the permanent bins located in Waltham Cross.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: “These amnesties are an integral part of Hertfordshire’s Serious Violence Strategy to reduce the number of knives on the streets, but also to send the message out that carrying a knife won’t keep you safe.

“The response from the public has been very good and we have had some great feedback. However, we all need to continue to work together In Hertfordshire to ensure young people are aware of the risks of carrying a knives.”