A knife was destroyed by police as they look to crack down on knife crime in Swindon.

Officers were called to Grange Community Centre in Stratton on Tuesday after a member of the public discovered the weapon.

Searches took place in the area using metal detectors, but no other bladed objects were found.

Wiltshire Police has said it will carry out more patrols in the area as they look to stamp-out anti-social behaviour.

Swindon Advertiser:

This week marks the start of Operation Sceptre, an initiative that focuses on raising awareness of knife crime and how the police will look to reduce knife crime in the area.

It is part of the ongoing work of officers and staff with the two local authorities, public health, youth workers and charities, with the aim of coming together to help prevent knife crime and protect young people from becoming caught up in violence and criminal gangs.

Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “Campaigns like Op Sceptre are vital to highlight knife crime but our work in protecting the public to ensure that knives do not make it onto our streets continues day in, day out.

“Our officers and staff use every tactic available to reduce the number of knife incidents, but we can't do this alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent people, usually young people, carrying and using knives.”