These are some of the deadly weapons seized by Essex Police during knife crime crackdown

Nearly 20 weapons were seized and 40 people arrested during the Essex Police operation.

Officers targeted people involved in knife crime between Monday, July 17 and Saturday, July 22 as part of the nationwide Operation Sceptre, which was led by the Metropolitan Police. 

Officers and Special Constables from local policing teams, the Operational Support Group and Operation Raptor teams, raided properties, carried out roadside checks and used high-visibility patrols.

They also worked with Trading Standards teams to raise awareness among shop owners of 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. 

Some 40 people were arrested while 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 ok to carry a weapon.” 

In total:

19 knives and weapons seized 
40 people were arrested 
74 shops were visited 
50 school were visited