Year 7 pupil found with knife as police target schools in sweep

Two knives have been seized from pupils at secondary schools in Rochdale during a sweep by police.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s School Engagement team seized the weapons during visits across the borough this week.

One of the knives was seized from a year 7 pupil.

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School Engagement Officer Ben Butterworth, of GMP’s Rochdale unit, has issued a reminder to parents about the dangers of children possessing knives.

In a statement, GMP said: “Two knives were seized this week by our School Engagement Officer Ben Butterworth – taken from pupils of Secondary Schools across the borough, one of which was a year 7 Child.

“Parents, please be extra vigilant about knowing the knives in your home.

“A knife taken by a child, even in self-defence or when not intended to harm someone, could lead to serious implications.”

The seized weapons come following a dedicated week-long operation from police to tackle knife crime across Greater Manchester.

The Operation Sceptre initiative is carried out twice a year and sees officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, weapon sweeps, and education sessions in schools to explain the dangers and consequences that come from carrying a knife.

Since 2019, over 4,000 weapons have been seized as part of Operation Sycamore and over 3,500 knives have been deposited as part of the GMP Forever Amnesty.

If you wish to report an incident or knife to GMP, please call 101 or message via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk .

Information, reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org.

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