A POLICE chief today praised knife-owners who made Bolton's weapons amnesty haul the second biggest in Greater Manchester.

Supt Ian McLoughlin said he was encouraged by figures which show 159 knives were surrendered at Bolton police stations during the nationwide "Save a Life - Bin that Knife" campaign.

Only Wigan, where 207 weapons were collected, recorded a higher tally among the county's 11 police divisions.

Almost 1,400 potentially lethal weapons were taken out of circulation in Greater Manchester during the month-long amnesty which started on December 20.

In the previous amnesty last June, 620 weapons were handed in across the county - less than half the latest total.

Among the knives put into secure containers at Bolton police stations were sheath and kitchen knives, cut-throat razors, bayonets, a sword, and several "kukri" knives - the long curved blades used by Ghurka soldiers.

Supt Ian McLoughlin, head of Bolton central sub-division, said: "This is encouraging news. These things are better melted down than in people's possession.

"We have had a very good response from the people of Bolton, with knives being handed in at every station except Westhoughton."

Greater Manchester recorded the fifth largest yield after Staffordshire (4,804), London (3,936), Thames Valley (1,500), and Sussex (1,424).

Chief Insp David Williams, GMP's weapons amnesty co-ordinator, added: "We are obviously delighted at the amount of weapons handed in. We would like to thank the public and the media who have helped publicise the campaign."

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