Zombie knives and crossbow seized with two arrested amid police crackdown
A raid this week saw two arrested after the law on so-called zombie knives changed
by Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveA "whole host of weapons" including zombie knives and a crossbow have been seized in an police and council operation in Hetton-le-Hole.
A man, 55, and a woman, 40, have each now been also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, and bailed pending further enquiries. Working in partnership with Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police officers executed a warrant at a property in Langdale Terrace on Wednesday. This came following reports of anti-social behaviour, the police said.
The raid follows a change in the law in September which means it is now illegal to possess a zombie-style knife or machete - and also illegal to manufacture, import, sell or supply them.
Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, Northumbria Police’s knife crime lead, said: “This is a great piece of work by all involved and shows our continued commitment to seizing these dangerous weapons. As we have sadly learned, knife crime can have devastating consequences in our communities.
"That’s why it’s important that people continue to share information with us, so we can take appropriate action to help keep you safe. If you know of anyone who is unlawfully in possession of zombie-style knives or machetes, we urge you to come forward with information as soon as possible."
The senior officer added that anyone found with such weapons would be liable to face "serious consequences" including jail time.
Coun Kelly Chequer, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and the council's health and community safety chief, said: "This a great result for partnership working. We know only too well the devastating impact of knife crime and, working with partners, will continue to do everything in our power to protect our communities."
The Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth added: "It’s fantastic to see Northumbria Police working with Sunderland City Council to swiftly put these welcome new laws into action. This ban has been a long time coming and here in Northumbria we are doing everything we can in our power to prevent, tackle and reduce knife crime - and to keep people safe."
To share information with the police, send the force a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on the force website or submitting a crime report here. You can also call 101.
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