WEAPONS including blades, swords, a machete, a hammer and an iron bar were seized as part of a week-long crackdown on knife crime.

Nearly 20 weapons were seized and 40 people arrested during the week of action - from Monday, July 17 until Saturday, July 22 - as part of the nationwide initiative Operation Sceptre.

Throughout the week, officers and special constables from local policing teams, the operational support group and Operation Raptor drug squads, executed warrants and carried out roadside checks and high-visibility patrols.

Where appropriate, they also used intelligence-led stop and search powers.

They worked with Trading Standards teams to raise awareness among shop owners about the importance of challenging underage customers and selling knives and bladed objects within the law.

In total 12 knives, including a sword and a machete, were seized - as well as seven other weapons, including a hammer, a dumbbell, and an iron bar.

A total of 40 people were arrested and officers visited 74 shops and 50 schools.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “This was a really positive week of action which produced good results.

“It is not acceptable to carry a knife on our streets. It does not make you safer, it puts lives at risk, and it could result in you being sent to prison.

“I don’t want the communities of Essex or those who carry knives to be under any illusions – our work to tackle this is does not stop now the week of action is over.

“Our officers continue to work every day to take knives off the streets of Essex and put those who carry them illegally in prison.

“The whole community has a role to play in tackling this issue and we also need members of the public to contact us if they know of someone who is carrying a knife.

“Information from you could be vital to making Essex an even safer place and tackle those people who think it is okay to carry a weapon.”