A LARGE knife has been uncovered by police officers as part of their searches for Operation Sceptre.

The knife was found on a stretch of land between Bold Street and The Shires, St Helens.

Operation Sceptre is a national week of action taking place this week aimed at tackling knife crime across Merseyside.

During this week there will be more stop searches, open land searches and weapon sweeps and knife amnesty bins in police stations.

Police say the public may also spot high visibility patrols using knife arches or wands at key times in busy locations or see our officers linking in with door-staff and licensed premises.

Chief Inspector Andy Creer said: "Operation Sceptre gives us the chance to stand alongside the other 42 national police forces taking part to show our commitment to tackling knife crime.

“Operation Target is our local response to what is a national issue. It is pleasing to see that we are already seeing the positive results of our ongoing disruption activity.

“Over 20 people have already been charged with knife possession and we have carried out hundreds of land searches, stop searches and weapon recoveries.

“We will continue to push the message that carrying a knife is not acceptable and people put themselves at risk when they choose to carry a weapon.

“I would ask that the public continues to support us by spreading the message and making carrying a knife socially unacceptable.

“If you know someone is carrying a knife then speak to us or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 and help us to finally stamp out this problem.”