KNIFE crime has seen a significant decrease in South Worcestershire, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS released its figures for police-recorded crimes for the year ending March 2018.

Nationally, offences involving knives or sharp instruments rose by 16 per cent, but locally there has been a decrease by 25 per cent.

West Mercia Police says continued efforts across South Worcestershire are being made to reduce harm and protect the public including a large operation, code-named Blade.

Operation Blade has made 99 arrests and in a number of planned raids has interrupted the county lines drug supply by seizing drugs and weapons since its inception in September 2017.

Detective Inspector Tony Garner said: "County line drug supply causes a wide range of harm to the local community including the risk of serious violence and knife crime.

"Operation Blade has now arrested 99 people linked to county lines since it was set up in September last year and taken a number of weapons off the street. Our focus is on reducing harm and protecting our community.

"Knife crime in South Worcestershire is down compared with last year, and this is really positive news especially in light of the fact that nationally knife crime has increased significantly over the same period."