A crossbow is among an arsenal of 45 dangerous weapons that have so far been handed in to police in St Helens during a National Knife Amnesty.

Swords, knives and other blades have also now been safely taken out of circulation as the campaign heads towards the halfway mark.

The campaign runs until June 30 and police are continuing to urge people to use the opportunity to 'bin' their knives and avoid prosecution.

Specially designed bins are located at both St Helens Police Station on College Street (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week) and Newton-le-Willows.

Anyone who plans on handing their knives in should take several steps so that if they are stopped by police they can show that the only reason you have the knife is to hand it in.

Weapon holders should ensure knives and blades are rendered useless before being transported. A knife sheath should be used where possible and all blades wrapped in cardboard and securely taped.