AN operation targeting people involved in knife crime is being carried out in East Lancashire.

Lancashire police is getting involved in Operation Sceptre, a national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime and those who carry knives.

Chief Inspector Mark Baines said: “Too many families have been affected by knife crime with even one person being stabbed being one too many.

"The consequences of carrying and using a knife can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.

“I would appeal directly to people that if you know someone who is carrying a knife, don't keep silent. Report it.

“The law is simple - it is illegal to carry a knife, even if it belongs to someone else.

“Anyone who is found carrying a knife and is intending to use it as a weapon – even in self-defence can be arrested, go to court and receive a police record or even a prison sentence of up to four years and an unlimited fine.”

Officers will be carrying out test purchase operations to ensure that retailers are not selling knives to people under the age of 18.

Ch Insp Baines said: “Lancashire Constabulary has a zero tolerance policy toward possession of knives in public and we take reports of knife crime very seriously.

"We will act on all intelligence received in a bid to prevent people losing loved ones and to detain those who intend to commit acts of violence using knives.

“If you have information about the possession of knives or offensive weapons or criminal activity relating to this type of crime, call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police chiefs said they were considering another knife amnesty bins like those 2014 and 2016.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: "Knives are potentially lethal weapons and I fully support Lancashire Constabulary’s bid to get them off our streets.

“No-one should live in fear of knives being used in their community.

"I have funded a range of projects to help stop people getting involved in knife crime – from a hard-hitting film to show to our county's young people to projects that work with vulnerable people to steer them away from crime."