A ban on the sale of so-called “zombie knives” is set to come into force in England and Wales later this week.
Inspired by horror films, the curved blades with serrated edges are often sold as collectors’ items, but police say they are increasingly being carried by criminals.
Last year a north London teenager was killed with one of the weapons.
Safeguarding minister Sarah Newton said the ban would “keep communities safe”.
Sold under brand names like “head splitter” or “zombie killer” the weapons can be bought on the internet for as little as £8.
The new legislation, banning the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives will take effect on Thursday. Anyone caught breaking the law will face up to four years in priso
WHAT ARE ‘ZOMBIE’ KNIVES
n April, 17-year-old Blaise Lewinson was convicted of manslaughter after stabbing teenager Stefan Appleton to death with a zombie knife in Islington, north London.
Following the conviction the Metropolitan Police issued guidance about “zombie” knives:
- There is no specific shape or style, but they are very ornate and intended to shock
- In varying lengths and often with a serrated edge, the knives carry logos or words that glamorise and promote violence
- They can cause greater damage due to their size
- They are being sold as collectors’ items online and in some shops
Ms Newton said “zombie killer knives” glamorise violence, cause devastating damage and have “no place whatsoever in our society”.
Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, described them as “absolutely horrific weapons”.
“Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons. There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe,” he said.
Morris Bright, of the Local Government Association, said the ban would “help reduce the number of lethal blades in society and stop online retailers unwittingly fuelling criminal activity which can lead to tragedy”.
“An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives also needs to be created – similar to that of the alcoholic drinks industry – which would promote their responsible sale,” he added.
KNIFE CRIME STATISTICS
Overall, across England and Wales there has been a 12% decrease in knife crime offences in the last five years.
But, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows offences were up last year – there were 28,664 incidents across the country in 2015-16, a 10% rise on the previous 12 months.
There were 214 suspected homicides in England and Wales where a knife or sharp instrument was used in 2015-2016 – the total number of deaths has varied between 187 and 237 in the past five years.