HUNDREDS of knives including machetes, swords and bayonets have been handed in during an amnesty by Gloucestershire Police.

More than 300 knives were surrendered, with around 50 handed in at Stroud police station, one of six collection points across the county.

The month-long campaign which ended on February 18 was launched after the horrific murders Dolton Powell and Zac Evans, both of whom were fatally stabbed last year.

A man was also allegedly stabbed in the chest near Tesco Express in Stroud.

Andy Poole, area inspector for Stroud, said: "There was a mix of not only kitchen style knives, but those I would describe as hunting style, which were good to see off the streets.

"I would also add that the campaign was not just about the actual surrender of knives, but to ensure the conversation regarding knives and knife crime is fresh in people’s minds. "People should recognise that carrying an offensive weapon, or a knife, or a bladed/pointed article is a serious offence.

"The unlawful provision and possession of all weapons encourages violence and can cause serious injury and death in addition to facilitating other criminal offences."

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said knife crime was a 'significant problem' in Gloucestershire but not a new one.

"It is a significant problem but it is not out of control," he told the SNJ.

"Knives have no place in our communities.

"The majority of knife crime is linked to drugs or gangs.

"The answer is not about changing laws but about changing attitudes and I am delighted that this campaign has helped to do that."

Inspector Steve Wood said the amnesty had helped start conversations in the community about the dangers of carrying knives.

He said the force would continue to raise awareness and work with partners to tackle the issue.

"Amongst many messages we have received is one from a mother who decided to speak to her son about the danger of carrying weapons, she said 'even though he is only 11 he needs to know now'," he said.

"Although the amnesty is over, this is just the beginning of our efforts to tackle knife crime.

"Anybody who has a knife can still surrender it by bringing it to their local police station."

The knives deposited will be sent to the British Ironworks Centre in Shropshire and made into a sculpture dedicated to victims of knife crime which will be unveiled in Trafalgar Square in 2017.