Today marks the start of a week-long national campaign to deter those involved in knife crime.

#OpSceptre is an operation which aims to proactively target those carrying weapons, reduce these offences, raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime, and provide young people with more positive alternatives to crime.

Across Merseyside, officers will be carrying out a variety of policing activities including open land searches, stop searches, high visibility and plain clothed patrols, weapon sweeps as well as working with our partners, local schools, youth clubs and retailers.

Chief Inspector Phil Mullally said: "Tackling knife crime is a priority for the force all year round, and this week should give a snapshot of some of the activity officers and partners, carry out day in day out, to tackle this issue.

"The #OpSceptre week of action not only sees enforcement activity such as knife sweeps and open land searches, but also officers spending time with young people, working to educate them about the dangers carrying a knife can lead to. We hope this type of intervention will deter them from getting involved in this type of criminality and make them think twice before picking up a knife."

He continued: "With determination from us and support from the public, I have no doubt that we can positively impact our communities and make changes to ensure the safety of all those living in and visiting Merseyside."

If you would like to report someone in possession of a knife, know whether they are being hidden or are simply concerned about your loved one, please do contact us @MerPolCC or via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or here at the Fearless campaign website:.