A police force has announced its officers will carry out a week of action to combat knife crime as part of a national initiative.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says knife related crime in Hertfordshire remains lower than in other parts of the country, but the campaign aims to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not help to keep a person safe.

Between Monday April 26 and Sunday May 2, officers will join others around England and take part in Operation Spectre.

The operation will involve a range of activities aimed at reducing knife crime, including conducting knife sweeps and talking to retailers about making sure knives sales are age checked, as well as educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife.

Inspector Nicola Dean from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s crime reduction unit, who is leading on the operational activity for Operation Sceptre, said: "Whilst knife crime has remained relatively low, due to the lockdowns, we want to take the opportunity to drive down the number of knives in circulation.

"Regular weeks of action are part of our wider strategy to tackle violent crime. During the week we will be conducting operations to reduce knife-related crime and to raise awareness of knife crime and that it is illegal to carry a knife in public and may lead to arrest.

"The week of action also provides opportunities to engage with young people about the dangers of carrying a knife and raise awareness amongst local businesses that selling certain knives to anyone under 18 is illegal."