People possessing zombie-style knives and machetes have been urged to hand them in to police stations ahead of a ban.

There will be no repercussions for surrendering the dangerous weapons safely, the government has said.

Zombie-style knives and machetes will be added to a list of prohibited dangerous items from 24 September, along with butterfly knives, samurai swords and push daggers.

While the government stopped short of announcing a ban on ninja swords in the King’s Speech, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said it intends to make them illegal in the future.

The move is part of a plan to halve knife crime within the next 10 years.

“Too many people have access to weapons that can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences,” Dame Diana said.

“There is no legitimate need for a weapon of this kind to be in our homes or on our streets. That is why we will continue to make sure the tightest restrictions are in place to limit the availability of these lethal weapons.

“Implementing a ban on zombie-style knives is just the first step in our ambitious, dedicated plan to halve knife crime within a decade, and will closely be followed by making ninja swords illegal.

“It is absolutely crucial that members of the public come forward and safely hand in these weapons. We are offering people the chance to do the right thing – to help make our streets safer, prevent further loss of life and save so many futures.

“We cannot do this alone, political, policing and community leaders must work together to bring the knife crime epidemic to an end and offer a better future for our young people.”

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Jail time for those in possession of dangerous weapons

The weapons surrender scheme will run for four weeks between 26 August and 23 September in police stations across England and Wales.

People are being encouraged to contact their local police station to get advice on how to package any weapons and bring them to the station.

They can also dispose of weapons using surrender bins by contacting their local police force, the council or an anti-knife crime charity to find out about alternative options.

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The government has warned anyone found in possession of a zombie-style knife or machete after the ban will face a prison sentence.

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