Knife amnesty gets good response

The amnesty followed some high-profile stabbings

More than 2,500 knives have been handed over in London with still two weeks to go until the end of a knife amnesty.

Scotland Yard said it was encouraged by the good response to the government's five-week national campaign.

The latest figures contrast with only 2,000 weapons surrendered during the 18 months before the initiative started.

Police said increased publicity has made a big difference. Nationally more than 10,500 knives and weapons have already been handed in.

Among the weapons that have been surrendered to police in London were axes, a samurai sword, and a 24-inch (60cm) machete.

People can hand in knives without penalty during the amnesty, which was brought in on 24 May.