THREE metal bars were discovered in bushes by officers during a weapon sweep in local parks.

Police officers in Bolton are taking part in a week of action to tackle knife crime - along with forces across the country.

There have been a number of incidents in Bolton, including children carrying knives to pre-arranged fights.

This week officers with the Bolton South neighbourhood team stepped up patrols as well as checking areas in Great Lever for weapons.

 Schoolchildren in Bolton organising fights 'involving weapons'

A spokesman for the neighbourhood team said: "Bolton South Neighbourhood Officers have been out conducting weapon sweep's and high visibility patrols in the Great Lever area.

"Officers found three metal bars stashed in the bushes, in the parks and they have been seized."

He added: "Youth violence causes serious harm and destroys the lives of victims, families, and communities.

"Speaking out could save a life.To give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. In an emergency dial 999."

Since 2019, Greater Manchester Police have seized over 10,000 weapons as part of similar operations, namely Sycamore, Concept and the Forever Amnesty.

The Bolton News:

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP's knife crime lead, said: “Our commitment to tackling knife crime remains a priority throughout the whole year, however this week will see an increase in activity taking place throughout Greater Manchester as part of Operation Sceptre.

The Bolton News:

“Although this initiative is police-led, we will be working alongside colleagues in the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to identify those involved in knife crime, address the root causes, educate our communities, provide preventative advice, and ensure those carrying and using weapons are brought to justice.

“Unfortunately, knife crime often involves young people and, although most children are not involved in knife crime or any other form of criminal activity, we know that some choose to carry knife for a number of reasons. It may be that they feel vulnerable, threatened and at risk of becoming a victim of crime, or because they believe the majority of their peers carry knives, so they