Flick knives and a bayonet were among the weapons handed in following a week-long knife surrender in Maidstone.

The surrender saw 31 knives handed in to Maidstone Police Station last week.

People deposited them anonymously in bins at the front counter.

Chief Inspector David Pascoe, Borough Commander for Maidstone said: "The public response from the surrender has surpassed our expectations, with 31 knives deposited in just one week. It is clear that the message has got through - every knife off the streets potentially saves a life.

"Anyone who carries a knife or weapon should think carefully about why they do this and hand it in safely. Police and other emergency services have to deal with the consequences of knife crime. We are all aware that carrying a knife is not acceptable and that, given the response to this surrender, the public believe that too.

"This surrender has played a key part in making the law clear to members of the public. Carrying knives as an offensive weapon will not be tolerated. We will continue to target those we know carry dangerous weapons and deal with them robustly.

"Carrying a knife or weapon for 'protection' is illegal and anyone found with an offensive weapon in a public place can face up to six months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine."