MOBILE metal detectors are being used in a bid to prevent town centre knife crime.

Accrington police officers set up the detector outside The Calder pub on Friday night, to screen people going in for knives and other weapons.

Police say they now have a stock of these machines which can be deployed to any premises and set up in a short space of time.

The operation was set up by and is linked through the area’s Pub Watch scheme.

Sgt Ian Corbett, who led the operation, described the night as a success and said no weapons had been found.

He said "The detector is a new piece of kit which can be deployed anywhere and at short notice.

"It is getting a positive response from licensees and members of the public and sends out a clear message that knife crime won't be tolerated in Accrington.

"Thankfully we don't have a problem with knife related violence in the town centre and by using this equipment we hope to keep it that way."

Licensing officer PC Les Sholicar who assisted in the operation said: "This and many other initiatives have received whole hearted support from licensees through the Pub Watch scheme.

"They are always willing to allow the police to use such equipment at any time."

The mobile metal detector will be used again in Accrington town centre in the run up to Christmas as part of Operation Shepherd.