By Phil Hayes

phayes@thekmgroup.co.uk

Kent Police has been handed £1.5 million in "immediate" extra funding to tackle knife crime.

The cash is part of a £51 million national pot which will help boost patrols and weapon sweeps – as well as pay for extra equipment for officers and overtime.

The Home Secretary has suggested forces use the funding to increase the number of officers out on the streets over the Easter weekend.

Kent’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: “It’s really good that the Home Office have listened to Police and Crime Commissioners and chief constables and given more money to forces to tackle this problem.

“Kent Police has been doing some great work in this area, which they will be able to expand.

“We will be able to do even more to keep our county safe.”

The £1.5 million "immediate surge funding" for Kent is understood to be more than originally anticipated.

Kent Police's chief constable Alan Pughsley will determine how the extra cash will be spent.

Announcing the extra cash for forces across the UK earlier today, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Knife crime destroys lives and as Home Secretary I’m determined to do everything in my power to stamp it out.

“This funding will help the police forces worst affected by violent crime to up their response, including by increasing the number of officers out on the streets over the Easter weekend.

“The police are on the front line in the fight against serious violence and they have our full support.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Martin Hewitt said: “The announcement of additional funding for the most affected police forces to tackle violence is welcome.

“This will help forces to carry out activity that we know works, such as increasing the number of officers available to carry out targeted patrols in crime hotspots and increase our use of stop and search.

“Chief constables in these areas will now consider how best to use their additional resources.

“Police tactics alone will not prevent violence however and any solutions must involve government, education, health, social services and communities themselves.”