POLICE were out in force at Southampton Central train station as part of a crackdown on knife crime.

Uniformed officers from British Transport Police, Hampshire police and the Army were all involved in the operation, which involved putting passengers through airport-style security.

The aim was to deter people from carrying knives on the railway and increasing public reassurance under the operation, codenamed Shield.

The metal detectors and body scanners are being moved from station to station across the country in a bid to increase passenger safety.

Sgt Andrew Pavitt, of British Transport Police, said: "This is a partnership operation which is all about deterring knife crime. The feedback is a positive one from the public.

"We have been asked lots of questions about what we are doing and they seem happy about the fact this isn't just contained in London but that we are going across the country with it."

Passengers using the busy city centre station welcomed the police activity.

Ian Pack, 27, from Southampton, said: "I don't know if this is going to be a more regular thing but I think more police can only be a good thing."

Holidaymaker Beth Wells said: "I certainly am more conscious about knife crime. I think it is a good thing to see more police out in public. I am reassured by it."