Knife crime text hotline launched

Police say Lancashire does not have a major problem

Schoolchildren in Lancashire are being asked to anonymously report people who they believe may be carrying a knife.

If people spot someone carrying a knife they can text the person's name, school and age to 88551 in confidence under the new scheme.

Any information sent to the number, which is being promoted in schools, is passed to police by Crimestoppers.

Lancashire was one of 10 knife crime "hotspots" identified by the Home Office last year.

Public help

Supt Richard Spedding, Lancashire Police's knife crime co-ordinator, said the county did not have a "major issue" with youngsters carrying knives.

But he said the force was being given extra funding to help them try to prevent young people in the county becoming involved in knife crime.

"One of the key aspects to this scheme is that young people are now able to pass on information anonymously to Crimestoppers, which in turn is passed to us," he said.

"We are totally committed to tackling knife crime and educating people about the dangers of knives.

"I would also appeal to the public to help us. Parents and peers have responsibility to make sure our young people are not arming themselves with weapons and I would appeal for their help."

The scheme, a partnership between police and Crimestoppers is being run in the county after pilots in other parts of England.