'The response from members of the public in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington has been encouraging,' said Assistant Chief Constable David Baines.

'In the first week alone, members of the public have placed into the amnesty bins based at various locations around the force area a total of 372 knives, blades and other weapons.

'Each one of the items handed in means there is one less knife or blade on the street that could be used to commit a crime.

'We want to encourage as many people as possible to be community-minded by taking these weapons off our streets. Members of the public have already responded to the amnesty but we are asking them to

tell their friends and family that they have until the end of June to get rid of their knives and blades, disposing of them now could save a life in the future.'

Police are advising the public to dispose of their blades and knives by packing them in cardboard or similar material and securely fastening with tape to ensure other people's safety en route to the amnesty bins.

Amnesty bins are located in police stations in Blacon, Chester, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port.

Cheshire Police are calling on everyone to think about the potential weapons they have in their homes, and although many kitchen knives can be lethal the police are specifically appealing to the public to hand in the more specialist knives and blades to make Cheshire, Halton and Warrington safer places to live.

The amnesty runs until the end of June.