POLICE will be searching the city for dangerous items related to knife crime in Southampton.

Today, officers will be at Daisy Dip in Swaythling working with the Solent Metal Detecting Club to find potentially dangerous items in the undergrowth.

Yesterday, police seized three items during a search of the city's parks with Southampton City Council.

Among the items found were a retractable blade, a screwdriver and a baton.

Superintendent Claire Taylor, knife crime lead for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “The Force is supporting a national week of action against knife crime, and will be tackling these issues throughout the week to offer some reassurance to residents.

“Our focus is on those vulnerable people living within our communities who could be targeted by others connected with drug and knife-related crime, which can have a devastating impact.

“Part of this would not be possible if it wasn’t for residents letting us know about suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. The information you give us helps us to build a real picture of what is going on and where we need to focus our resources.

“If you notice unusual activity in your street, or you are concerned about someone carrying a knife, please let us know, either by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

It comes after a nationwide crackdown, Operation Sceptre, has been launched this week after there has been 39 fatal stabbings in Britain since the beginning of the year.

For the next seven days, police across the country will be using surrender bins, stop-and-search and weapons sweeps.

The crackdown comes after Jodie Chesney, 17, was stabbed in East London earlier this month.

Yousef Makki, also 17, was stabbed in Manchester.

According to a spokesperson from Hampshire Police the bins will be in place this week and it will be decided at the end of the week if they will be kept for longer.