As part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime police officers have been engaging with the public in Weymouth.

Officers from the Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) set up a 'Knife Arch' at the Marsh on Tuesday, May 14 for people to try out and to discuss the impact knife crime has had on them.

READ: Dorset Police knife crime awareness week of action

Knife arches are portable metal detectors that help police to search for concealed knives and the community engagement event formed part of Dorset Police's week of action under the national campaign of Operation Sceptre. 

The aim of the week is to raise awareness around the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife, and will see enhanced enforcement, engagement and education from officers.

PICTURES: Moment knifeman pulls knife on terrified Weymouth shop staff

A knife surrender bin is also being provided at Weymouth Police Station during the week of activity.

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said: "Weymouth NPT officers set up the Knife Arch at The Marsh yesterday to talk to young people and families about knife crime and the impact it has on them.

READ: Weymouth man arrested and charged with attempted murder

"People aged from five to 50 were amongst those to try out the arch and find out more about Dorset Police’s bid to reduce knife related crime.

"Forces nationwide are marking Operation Sceptre, a week-long national campaign aimed at tackling knife crime.

"As part of the campaign, people are being encouraged to bring unwanted knives to stations across 43 forces including Dorset."