A POCKET knife and a crossbow have been seized in Southampton as police crackdown on knife crime.

As part of Operation Spectre, a national crackdown to tackle knife crime, officers have been conducting knife sweeps in Vaudrey Close, Shirley.

Among the items found were a pocket knife and a crossbow.

These were found at separate locations and now both items have been seized.

Two combat style knives were also surrendered by a member of the public.

READ MORE: Police find needles and hammer in search for knives in Southampton parks

All the items are now set to be destroyed.

A partner agency of the police has also recovered a further ten knives that will now also be destroyed by the force.

Daily Echo: Police carrying out a knife sweep in Vaudrey Close, Southampton. Photo from: Southampton Cops/Facebook. Police carrying out a knife sweep in Vaudrey Close, Southampton. Photo from: Southampton Cops/Facebook.

Operation Spectre began on Monday and will run until May 22.

It is aimed at creating awareness and providing communities with information on knife crime.

A police spokesperson said: “If you have any concerns about someone carrying a weapon or knife please call 101 or the report online on the Hampshire Constabulary website. Always call 999 in cases of emergency.

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