Metal detector to cut knife crime

Police are setting up a metal detector arch in a Tyneside town centre as part of a drive to tackle knife crime.

Members of the Gateshead Central Neighbourhood Policing Team will be operating it at the bus and Metro interchange on Friday evening.

The aim of the initiative is to deter people from carrying knives and to reassure the public.

Northumbria Police said knives were not a problem in the Gateshead area and they hoped that would remain the case.

Central Gateshead neighbourhood officer Insp Peter Storey said: "The metal arch not only brings offenders to light, but will also hopefully deter those who would normally carry a knife or weapon from doing so.

"Knives are not a problem in Gateshead and we want to keep it that way.

"Through the use of the arch we want to reinforce the message that illegal possession of knives and weapons is never acceptable and will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the individual concerned."