A CRACKDOWN against knife crime is to be launched across Merseyside this weekend.

Police will be carrying out high visibility patrols in "hot spots" using metal detecting equipment to search suspects for blades.

They will also be offering safety and crime reduction advice the community as part of a national week of action.

The move coincides with new sentencing guidelines for those who carry the weapons.

Several forces across the UK are taking part in the week-long operation which is part on an ongoing initiative.

The operation will begin this Friday and Saturday.

Officers also will also be visiting licensed premises and carrying out high visibility patrols.

Superintendent Keith McLachlan said: “Within Merseyside we have a number of busy night time economies and at the weekends we expect to see a lot of people in the city centre and town centres enjoying a night out with friends and family.

“We have a fantastic reputation nationally for being a safe place to visit and Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring this continues.

“We are also committed to reducing violent crimes and making sure our streets stay safe.

“Violent crime - including knife crime - can have devastating consequences for the victim and their families and our officers have worked within schools across Merseyside to educate young people about the dangers of becoming involved in knife crime and the impact it has on the community"

A change in the law now means that anyone aged 16 to 17 years who is convicted of possessing a knife for a second time automatically receives a detention and training order of at least four months.

Anyone aged 18 years or over will receive a prison sentence of at least six months.

Superintendent McLachlan added: "The reason for this is that knives kill and people carrying knives are a threat to our communities.

“By carrying out high visibility patrols in our key night time areas we want to reassure the public of our continued commitment to tackling this problem and taking decisive action against anyone found committing offences.

"We will act on all information reported to us."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the confidential Crimestoppers line anonymously: 0800 555 111.