AN AMNESTY bin will be based in Oswestry later this week as part of a week-long initiative.

West Mercia Police is supporting Operation Sceptre, which is being led by the Home Office.

It launched on Monday (May 16) and is part of a nationwide drive to tackle knife crime.

As part of the scheme the amnesty bin will be located at the front counter of Oswestry Police Station on Park Street, on Wednesday, May 18 where members of the public can hand in unwanted knifes anonymously.

Oswestry Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) has also confirmed there will be "various engagements" taking place across the Oswestry and Ellesmere areas throughout the week to support the initiative.

The launch of the operation coincides with the Home Secretary permanently lifting restrictions on the police's use of stop and search in areas where they anticipate serious violence to happen.

Priti Patel has restrictions on section 60 that have been in place since 2014.

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Removing these restrictions means that more officers can authorise section 60, the powers can be in place for longer and can be used when police anticipate that serious violence ‘may’ occur rather than ‘will’ occur.

She said: "The devastating impact of knife crime on families who have lost their loved one is unbearable. No-one should have to endure the pain and suffering of the victims of these appalling crimes and we have a responsibility to them to do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies."