CHESHIRE Police officers are warning retailers of the ban which has come into effect on the selling of ‘zombie knives’.

The ban was introduced on Thursday, August 18, which makes the importation, manufacture, and sale of these weapons a criminal offence in England and Wales.

“Zombie knives are a relatively new type of knife that are often marketed in a way that glamorises violence and emphasises the threat of violence through its name and the use of blood-like paint on its handle and blade,” said a Cheshire Police spokesman.

“They are often seen as status symbols and young men have been known to pose with them in online videos to threaten and incite violence.

“While knife crime is very low in Cheshire, local police officers will use this opportunity to visit retailers who sell knives, to remind them of the ban and the law around sales of ‘normal’ knives.”

Chf Supt Andy Southcott said: “Thankfully knife crime here in Cheshire is very low, and we have had no reported incidents involving zombie knives.

“Having said, that, we want to send a clear message that the sale of these knives is now against the law, and we will take action where it is required.

“With that in mind, we’re taking the opportunity to advise shopkeepers of the change in the law and remind them of their responsibilities toward their communities, by making sure that potentially dangerous weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.”

Officers will visit shops and outlets across Cheshire over the next few days, covering all the county’s main towns.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: “I welcome this proactive approach by the Constabulary in response to this issue.

“People should be reassured that knife crime is very low in Cheshire, but it’s a good opportunity to engage with retailers and make it clear what the law says. It’s all part of the wider drive that I am leading to make our communities safe.”