Tough approach to knife crime

In total 2,500 arrests have been made for knife-related offences and 1,600 knives seized since the programme was launched on 5 June.

In London alone, the number of people charged with possession of a knife or blade since April has increased by 150 per cent compared to the same period in 2007.

Police forces in the ten areas taking part in the programme have also increased their work in engaging with young people and have begun to prepare educational packs for schools and organise events to warn young people of the danger of carrying knives.

The England football team has also been enlisted to urge young people not to carry knives, Smith announced.

She said: "Working with the police, local authorities, the health service and partners like the FA, we will do all we can to protect young people, their families and communities from the fear and grief of knife crime."

Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "We have a duty to both the public, and to the victims of these awful crimes, to take a tough approach to those who carry knives."