MERSEYSIDE Police continued its war on knife crime by taking part in a high-profile day of action.

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

These included 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 united to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Key results from the operation were: Over 14,800 pupils received knife crime educational input from officers; Over 8,200 people passed through the safety arches; Four people were arrested for offences ranging from possession of an offensive weapon (knives); 147 people were arrested for a range of offences including drug possession; Nine vehicles were seized during the operation; Twenty seven test purchase operations took place.

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 or text 88551 with information."