POLICE have pledged to prioritise knife crime at the end of a week-long operation.

As Operation Sceptre draws to a close, police officers and higher-ups have spoken about what is being done to prevent further stabbings around Swindon.

Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “Knife crime for us in the Swindon borough is an absolute priority. It causes huge harm and youth and gang violence in particular is something we are working really really hard on.

“Our neighbourhood teams are out every day engaging with the public, understanding the threat and risk but also taking proactive action when required.

“We’re working very hard with partners as well to really reduce the scourge of knife crime in communities. The more that we can do, the better.”

PCSO Kate Jackson said: “One of our roles and responsibilities is going into secondary schools and speaking to young people about exploitation and vulnerability and making sure they’re aware it’s all of our responsibility as a collective.

PCSO Lee Hare added: “Op Sceptre is not just one week, it’s something we deal with on a day to day basis. One of the ways is by metal detecting  for weapons that may have been hidden or discarded.”

The week began with six people being arrested in relation to a triple stabbing near the junction of Manchester Road and Alfred Street.

Officers responded to reports of a fight  in which three people suffered stab wounds at around 2pm on November 13.

On Monday, police confirmed the arrests of suspects aged between 23 and 47 in relation to what has been described as a targeted attack.