Five businesses out of 22 failed to challenge children when they tried to buy knives in Swale.

Police cadets teamed up with special constables to carry out test purchases in shops in Sittingbourne, Faversham and on Sheppey.

Five out of five passed on Sheppey. In Sittingbourne, eight out of 11 passed. And in Faversham, four out of six passed.

Those who sold a knife to the child were given letters of advice with suggestions on how to train their staff.

The details of those shops will be shared with Trading Standards, as enforcement action could be taken.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, selling knives to under 18s is banned.

Chief Inspector Alan Rogers said: "Tackling knife crime is a joint effort and everyone has a role to play – from members of the public reporting suspicious activities to venues promoting the use of knife arches.

"Retailers can assist greatly by adhering to the law surrounding the sale of knives and preventing them from getting into the wrong hands.

"It was encouraging that clearly many retailers took their responsibilities seriously and refused to sell a blade to a youngster.

"I am confident that those who did not challenge our test purchaser will take on the advice issued to them and refuse the sales in future."

The premises which passed the test were issued with a letter of congratulations for their vigilance.

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