Almost 100 weapons have been seized across Kent during the latest clampdown by police on knife crime.

Between Monday, May 16, and Sunday, May 22, local officers supported the nationwide Operation Sceptre, with a view to removing knives from the streets.

Throughout Kent, a total of 119 stop-and-searches were completed and 31 people were arrested for offences including the possession of knives and drugs.

In Medway officers arrested three suspects in connection with two separate reports of knifepoint robberies in the Gillingham area.

Officers also carried out weapon sweeps in Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone and Balmoral Gardens in Gillingham.

The crack down in Maidstone followed a spate of incidents in the town centre, including the murder of Andre Bent, and more recently, the stabbing that occurred outside KFC.

During the week, a total of 99 knives were recovered, including 50 which were handed in voluntarily to the police.

British Transport Police also joined in with patrols at railway stations.

Knife bars and police dogs were used to target people travelling into the county carrying weapons and drugs with the Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs teams deployed to support their uniformed colleagues at key locations.

On Tuesday, May 17, a suspect tried to evade officers at Chatham railway station and was arrested following a short pursuit.

A search by a drugs dogs later recovered a discarded mobile phone and more than 200 wraps of class A drugs.

A further arrest was made at Canterbury train station where a man was detained and two knives were seized.

During the campaign, 22 retailers were visited with colleagues from partner agencies and reminded of the legislation around the selling of knives.

Shops were encouraged to display warnings and posters detailing age restrictions and safety advice, though the police said most of the busnesses already had good safety measures in place.

A police spokesman said it had also been a priority to engage with young people, to ensure they feel safe and understand the dangers around knife crime.

Officers visited schools and colleges to warn of the risks of becoming involved in gang activity.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Talboys said: "We are always focused on tackling knife crime and the tactics used this week in connection with Operation Sceptre support our ongoing work with partners to remove weapons from our streets.

"Knife crime can have a devastating impact on communities and our officers are relentless in their efforts to target those criminals who think nothing of carrying weapons and bringing violence to parts of Kent.’

Unfortunately the crackdown did not prevent a man being stabbed at a children's play area in Park Wood, Maidstone, on the last night of the week-long campaign.

If you have concerns about someone you know who may be carrying a knife, or is involved in knife crime, call Kent Police on 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on their website.