A knife amnesty is being held in Suffolk ahead of a new law that could see those carrying certain styles of zombie knives and machetes jailed for up to four years.

The new legislation comes into force on Tuesday, September 24, and is aimed at removing specific types of knives from circulation. 

It will also prohibit the sale and importation of knives that meet the criteria which dictates that any knife over eight inches and with one or more serrated edges could be banned.

Knives can be handed in at Ipswich police station in Princes StreetKnives can be handed in at Ipswich police station in Princes Street (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Sergeant Steve Wright, who is leading the scheme in Suffolk, said: "We welcome these measures that will make it more difficult for people to obtain zombie-style weapons, often used for the purposes of violence, and it is an important development that will help us tackle knife-related criminality in Suffolk.

“Whilst the majority of people know that carrying a knife in public is an offence, it’s important that everyone realises that possession of an offensive weapon carries a sentence of up to four years in prison."

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Ahead of the ban the government is introducing a surrender and compensation amnesty scheme. 

Owners who surrender knives will be eligible for compensation and will need to complete the form on the Gov.uk website and bring it with them along with the knife being surrendered.

Knives in Suffolk can be handed in at police stations in Princes Street in Ipswich, Raingate Street in Bury St Edmunds and Old Nelson Street in Lowestoft. 

The amnesty scheme will run from Monday, August 26 until Monday, September 23.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk police and crime commissionerTim Passmore, Suffolk police and crime commissioner (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Knuckle dusters, suspected drugs and knife seized in Suffolk town

Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said: "Anything that helps to remove knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives has my full support. 

"The devastation caused by knife crime is well documented and, while Suffolk is a relatively safe lace to live, we collectively do need to do all we can to keep it that way.

"My message to anyone who is even considering carrying a knife is - don't. Carrying a knife or sharp-bladed instrument does not make you safer, in fact it is completely the opposite. 

"If you have a knife, bin it appropriately now."