Officers are carrying out knife sweeps across Dudley today (Wednesday, November 15).

Teams from Dudley North Police are searching local parks in a bid to reduce knife crime in the area and get weapons off the street.

The latest search is part of Operation Sceptre which was relaunched this week to raise awareness for the deadly impact of knife attacks and youth violence.

A spokesperson for Dudley Police said: "Carrying a knife for protection is not a valid reason for the police. It actually means you’re 51 per cent more likely to have it used against you.

"You can even receive a four-year prison sentence just for carrying a weapon, and that’s without even intending to use it."

For more information visit www.west-midlands.police.uk