Zombie knife sellers to face jail after 'horrific' weapons banned

Inspired by horror films and often advertised as collectors' items, the blades are available on the internet for as little as £10

Sellers of so-called zombie knives will face jail from this week as a ban on the “horrific” weapons comes into force.

Ministers launched a crackdown on the blades, which can be up to two feet in length, with a serrated edge and carry images or words that glamorise violence.

Inspired by horror films and often advertised as collectors' items, they are available on the internet for as little as £10.

An amendment to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives will take effect on Thursday. Those caught making or selling the items will face up to four years in prison.

West Midlands PCSO Rob Capella holds two examples of zombie knives at a secure police location in Birmingham (PA)

Safeguarding minister Sara Newton said: “This Government will act wherever necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe. Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage. They have no place whatsoever in our society.”

Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: “Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons. Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons. There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe.”

Morris Bright, of the Local Government Association, said: “Zombie knives have only one purpose - to threaten, injure or kill someone - and this ban, which the LGA has called for, will help reduce the number of lethal blades in society and stop online retailers unwittingly fuelling criminal activity which can lead to tragedy.

“An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives also needs to be created - similar to that of the alcoholic drinks industry - which would promote their responsible sale.”

Earlier this year a 17-year-old was convicted of manslaughter and jailed after teenage student Stefan Appleton was stabbed to death with a “Zombie Killer” machete in north London in June 2015.

The ban comes as figures show police are recording rising numbers of knife-related crimes. Statistics show that in the year ending in March forces logged 28,664 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument, a 10 per cent jump compared with the previous 12 months.

Statisticians said the evidence currently available suggests a “complex picture” in which the latest increase could reflect a mix of both improvements in recording processes and a genuine rise in knife crime.

The ban applies to England and Wales, while legislation is also expected to be introduced in Northern Ireland.

PA