Hundreds of weapons and blades seized in crackdown on knife crime

More than 490 weapons have been taken off the streets of Sussex following a week-long police crackdown on knife crime.

Police officers collected knives and other blades during Operation Sceptre, using a combination of amnesty bins, weapon sweeps and stop searches.

One hundred and ninety five people were stopped and searched across the county, with police making 41 arrests.

145 in West Sussex

96 in Brighton and Hove

255 in East Sussex

During searches, a knife was taken from a 16-year-old boy by officers patrolling Littlehampton railway station.

And in Hastings a 16-year-old boy was arrested after officers discovered he was carrying around a catapult.

Chief Inspector Simon Yates added: "Our message is simple: carrying a knife does not make you safer.

"It puts you at increased risk of harm and you could end up with a criminal record if you're found in possession of a weapon."To talk to someone anonymously about knife crime, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.