Rutland Police is staging a knife crime information evening on Friday (20 Sept).

The event is being organised by Oakham Police's PC Joe Lloyd, but will be led by Sgt Darren Richardson, Neighbourhood Team Sergeant for Rutland.

PC Lloyd told Oakham Nub News: "While we don't have a knife crime issue in Rutland, we do have knife crime.

"We are holding the information evening in support of Leicestershire Police's week of knife crime action as part of National Operation Sceptre.

"I'd like to see as many parents and carers, along with teenagers, as possible attend the event to better understand the consequences of knife crime.

"There will also be officers attending who have first-hand experience of dealing with knife crime."

The information evening is being held on Friday at The King Centre, Main Road, Barleythorpe, starting at 6pm until 7pm.

Leicestershire Police's knife crime action week was launched yesterday (Mon).

It is supported by the force's established #LivesNotKnives campaign and partnership work which aims to reduce knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons and disrupt the supply of knives available to use.

Superintendent Shane O'Neill, who leads the force's response to knife crime, said: "Tackling violent crime, including those who carry knives, is a force priority.

"This national week of action has long been planned but forms part of our LivesNotKnives work which seeks to collaborate with partners, including schools, councils, health and charitable organisations, as well as parents to deal with this issue.

"Young people need to know that they are more at risk of becoming a victim if they carry a knife.

"It's also important that people know where to get advice and support from if they want help to stop carrying a knife or have concerns about someone they know who has one.

"We are doing everything we can to catch offenders and deal with them appropriately.

"Ultimately, knife crime will not be tolerated on our streets."