KNIFE crime cases across the county have risen, shocking new statistics have revealed.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show there were 221 offences for knife crime related incidents in 2017, up from 207 in 2016 and 144 in 2015 totalling a 53 per cent increase over the last three years.

The number of cautions and convictions in Dorset is the 13th lowest of the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “There has been a rise in knife crime nationally and this has also been reflected in Dorset.

“This is in part due to better recording of incidents when a bladed item has been involved, but also as a result of issues such as county lines drug networks, which is also seen in other areas of the country, and other serious organised crime groups.

“While crime, where a knife has been involved, has risen in Dorset, actual stabbings and violent crimes involving a knife have decreased.

“The majority of knife crimes in Dorset involve a relationship between the victim and suspect - stranger incidents are still rare.”

The force added that the number of stabbings and violent crimes involving a knife which carry a harsher penalty had decreased in that time despite a rise in the number of crimes where a knife was involved.

They also said that they were committed to reducing knife crime with the spokesperson adding: “Our aim is to disrupt knife crime among individuals we know to be responsible; while not disproportionately raising the fear of knife crime for the population of Dorset, who are able to live, work, visit and enjoy one of the safest places in the country.”

Meanwhile nationally, police cautioned or charged 20,966 people, the highest number for a calendar year since 2010, when there were 21,328.

Justice minister Rory Stewart said that knife crime is a “terrible threat”.

He said: “I am delighted we are prosecuting more people and sending them to jail.

“Be in no doubt, if you are caught carrying a knife, you will face a jail sentence.”

The news comes after Dorset Police took part in Operation Sceptre last month, a National Knife Amnesty campaign led by the Home Office to reduce knife crime across the country.