SWORDS, machetes and commando knives are among the weapons which have been handed in after Lancashire Police launched its knife amnesty.

In the first week of the amnesty, a total of 145 knives have been dropped into the designated amnesty bins across Lancashire.

And Det Insp Warren Atkinson said many of the knives handed in were capable of doing “serious damage”. He added: “The number and type of knives which have been handed in since we launched the amnesty last week justifies why we have taken the decision to do it.

“A significant number of weapons which are capable of doing serious damage — including World War One knives and homemade blades — have been handed in to the bins.

“It’s frightening to think what could have happened if these knives had remained on Lancashire’s streets.

“I would like to thank everyone who has handed over a knife so far — and continue to appeal to anyone who is in possession of an illegal blade, or knows someone who is, to consider handing it in.

"For the duration of the amnesty residents can drop their knives in the bins at designated police stations anonymously, without fear of repercussions.”

In total, 85 knives have been handed in in South division, 30 in West division and 30 in East division. Among the weapons given up are machetes, swords, commando knives, a homemade blade screwed together with razor blades and large knives.