Police hunting for knives in Horsham District

Officers were carrying out the search as part of Operation Sceptre, said police.

The operation is part of a national week of action which brings forces together to tackle knife crime.

Bringing violence and knife crime down is a top priority and Sussex Police is determined to get knives off the streets for good, a spokesman said.

He added: “Operation Sceptre is a campaign that aims to tackle the danger that knife crime poses by educating those most at risk and carrying out proactive work that takes knives off our streets.”

Superintendent Stu Hale said: “Knives and dangerous weapons have no place on the streets of Sussex. We are determined to reduce the risk of knife-related harm by working together and making our message on knife possession crystal clear.

“Operation Sceptre is an opportunity to discuss knife crime in an open and honest way. We want to send the message to young people that carrying a knife is dangerous and can have serious consequences. Carrying a knife does not make you safer, in fact it puts you at more risk of being a victim.”