POLICE were checking for knives with help from a metal detector during a recent visit to a Swindon college.

Officers from the Stratton, North Central and West Swindon Neighbourhood team took a knife arch to New Collge in a bid to raise awareness about the consequences of knife crime to Swindon's youth. 

A police spokesperson said in a post on the area team's Facebook page: "There is a misconception that if you carry a knife then it will provide protection. But statistics show that if you carry a knife or weapon then you are more likely to end up being hurt.

"You might also end up being hurt by your own weapon. It is also illegal to carry knives and other weapons."

Police added that there was no cause for alarm as this was one of many visits made to local education settings to try and encourage young people to turn away from carrying potentially deadly knives. 

"We work in partnership with many educational establishments to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying weapons," the spokesperson added.