Concern at knife crime increase

Police have warned of an increase in knife crime

Police have issued a warning over the dangers of carrying knives after a rise in the number of blade incidents in Stranraer.

Officers have dealt with 13 cases in the past six months - including a robbery and an attempted murder.

According to recent figures the majority of cases involved disputes between neighbours.

A police spokesman warned that using knives could see relatively minor incidents resulting in fatal injuries.

'Serious consequences'

Insp David McCallum said that while the total number of incidents remained relatively low it was still "disappointing" to see the rise.

"If you choose to carry a knife you face two serious consequences," he said.

"Firstly, anyone involved in a dispute involving a knife could be seriously, if not fatally, injured - even the person carrying the weapon.

"Secondly, no matter your age, gender or whether you are a first or multiple offender you can expect to be arrested and taken into police custody, and then held there until you appear in court."