Dozens held during knife campaign

This knife was seized by officers

Police arrested 24 people during an operation aimed at tackling knife crime and youth violence in Sheffield.

About 300 officers were involved in the operation on Saturday night, which saw clubbers removed from queues and searched for weapons.

Vehicles in "hotspot locations" for knife crime and violence were also checked. Only one knife was found.

People were arrested on suspicion of offences including possessing drugs, drinking and driving and robbery.

A total of 82 young people aged between 13 and 24 were taken to a search facility at West Bar police station, where they passed through scanners similar to those used at airports.

A number plate recognition system was used to identify vehicles linked to crime so officers could stop suspected offenders entering the city centre.

Ch Supt Paul Broadbent, who was in charge of the operation, said he wanted to "ensure that young people can enjoy a good night out, safe in the knowledge that the police and partners are on the streets protecting them".

He said: "Our collective aim is simple, to allow young people to grow into responsible adults and to prevent the gang mentality that tragically a number of young men have taken."