‘POTENTIALLY lethal wea-pons’ have been handed into police as part of a knife amnesty.

More than 400 blades, ranging from kitchen knives to machetes, swords and daggers have been surrendered.

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Police said the knives could have caused serious injury if used against somebody and that it was vital they were taken off the streets.

Sgt Jon Cisco, from the neighbourhoods team in Blackburn, said: “All sorts of items have been handed in and each one could do injury to somebody.

“There have been several high-profile cases recently where knives have been used against people. Walking around with a knife for your own protection can easily be turned against you in the wrong circ-umstances.”

The amnesty has been running for two weeks and there is a further fortnight remaining. In East Lancashire, 75 knives have been handed in.

Among the most bizarre items to be given up are a four-pronged katar, highly-decorated daggers, knives which can be attached to a keyring and a homemade weapon with nails and razor blades.

Sgt Cisco said it was possible some of the knives had been displayed on walls, but could kill if they got into the wrong hands. He added: “Some of these may have been used for decorative purposes in homes and may have been in the family for years in all innocence.

“But all you need is for somebody to break into your house, for that item to be taken and used against somebody.”

The officer said the knives were sometimes a status symbol.

“Other people have them with the intention of using them unlawfully, but some have had a change of mind, seen sense and handed them in,” said Sgt Cisco.

“Any knife that is on the street and in the wrong hands can be used against somebody.

“We’re really pleased with the quantity of knives that have been brought in – it proves there are people out there doing the right thing and staying within the law.”

Anybody wishing to give up a knife can drop it off anonymously in one of the designated bins outside Burnley, Darwen, Nelson or Chorley police stations.