Officers have been visiting schools and colleges across Eastbourne to engage young people in conversations about knife crime, Sussex Police has said.

A police spokesperson said: “Our Neighbourhood Youth Officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams continue to visit schools and colleges across Eastbourne, engaging with young people, opening conversations about knife crime, sharing safety advice and highlighting available support.

“Using practical tools to encourage discussion, we aim to build trust, boost confidence and help young people feel able to speak up and seek support if they have concerns for themselves or others.”

It comes after an area of the town was named as one of four locations in Sussex where targeted action against knife crime has begun.

Officers have been visiting schools and colleges across Eastbourne to engage young people in conversations about knife crime, Sussex Police has said.

placeholder image — Officers have been visiting schools and colleges across Eastbourne to engage young people in conversations about knife crime, Sussex Police has said.

The move will see these locations become the focus of tough police enforcement activity, enhanced patrols and interventions for young people to tackle and further reduce knife crime.

The action was made possible by £600,000 funding from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund.