More than 900 blades and three firearms were handed in in a week as part of a Suffolk police crackdown on knife crime.

Nine people were also arrested as part of Operation Sceptre, a national anti-knife crime campaign, which took place this month.

As part of the campaign, amnesty bins were set up in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Sudbury and Haverhill.

A total of 924 knives, as well as the firearms, were recovered from the bins in the week.

Police also attended schools and colleges and were at 29 events, alerting more than 3,000 young people to the threat of knife crime, county lines and drug gangs.

A number of knife-related incidents have been reported in Ipswich in the last year, with police making several arrests after stabbings.

Ipswich Star:

Sergeant Andrew Kirk, of Suffolk police, said: "This latest week of action underlined our commitment to tackle knife-related crime in Suffolk.

"We have always believed that intervention is key and we spoke to thousands of children and adults in a number of local communities to get our message across.

"We used the opportunity to raise awareness of knife crime to schools, businesses and parents all over the county and while Operation Sceptre had many successful outcomes, we realise tackling the issue is a year-round challenge."

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "I’d like to commend the Constabulary for their crime prevention work as part of Operation Sceptre.

"This national focus gives the Constabulary a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime with schools, businesses and parents.  

"Talking about the implications of carrying a knife – both at home and at school – is crucially important to educate and protect our people.

"Knife crime is an increasing problem nationally and it’s got to stop. Carrying a knife doesn’t make you safe and sadly, as we all know, it can lead to dreadful consequences.

"Knife bins play an important role in getting knives out of circulation, they provide a safe and anonymous method of disposal and I’m pleased to see them being used to good effect right across the county."