New law to ban zombie-style knives and machetes

New legislation has been laid in parliament which would ban zombie-style knives and machetes.

The new law would make it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes.

It is hoped the laws will take the weapons of the streets and keep young people safe.

Those in possession of one of these knives are being urged to hand it in to a knife surrender bin, before the official surrender and compensation scheme is launched in the summer.

The full ban will come into force in September, at which point, anyone in possession of one of these knives will face prison time.

The government intends to work with police, communities and partners to ensure there is public awareness of the surrender scheme, which have been implemented in the past to accompany knife bans.

Home secretary James Cleverly said: "Knife crime continues to take precious lives away, and I am determined to put an end to this senseless violence.

"We must stop these dangerous knives ending up on our streets and in the hands of criminals. We cannot let them be sold to children, and we must give young people a way out of violence.

"That is why I have expedited the ban on zombie-style machetes and we are increasing the maximum sentence for selling knives to under 18s. We will continue to invest in youth services that have prevented thousands of violent injuries."

Image by Marta Docampo from Pixabay