Knife crime operation draws blank

Mobile knife arches can be used in different locations

More than 400 young people were searched in an operation to tackle knife crime - but not one of them was carrying a weapon.

The crackdown in Waltham Cross, Herts, on 25 and 26 July and 1 and 2 August was in response to recent stabbings.

More than 170 people passed through a knife arch on the High Street and a further 260 people were searched.

Insp Phil White said: "In the busiest area in the town, we did not find a single person carrying a weapon."

'Strong message'

"There have been two serious incidents in the vicinity of the High Street in Waltham Cross in the past month, which have resulted in four young men being seriously injured," Insp White added.

"We are taking a proactive approach to preventing any further incidents from occurring.

"This operation has sent out a strong message that carrying a weapon is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated."

During the operation, advice was also given to young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.