MERSEYSIDE Police and its partners are continuing in their war on knife crime by taking part in a high-profile day of action tomorrow, Friday February 27.

The force-wide operation, which is supported by the Government's Tackling Knives Action programme (TKAP), will see a wide range of tactics and resources being used throughout the area with the aim of reducing and preventing knife related crime.

They will include warrants being executed, hand-held metal detectors and safety arches being used on the transport network and outside licensed premises, test purchase operations on retailers and demonstrations and talks at local schools and colleges.

All areas of the force will be uniting to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Those caught breaking the law face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

Superintendent Mike Cloherty said: "We are committed to tackling knife crime on Merseyside.

"Working with our partners we want to stamp out this problem and get knives off our streets.

"One strand of our joint approach is test purchasing operations such as this and we hope they send a clear message to retailers that we will take action against those who break the law.

"Tactics such as those being used tomorrow are regular feature of making the streets of Merseyside safe and transferring the fear of crime back on to the criminals themselves.

"Anyone with information about knife crime or if you know someone who is carrying a knife can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."