"Lethal" zombie knives to be banned

ZOMBIE knives are “horrific”, “lethal” weapons, says the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner who has given his backing to the banning of the blades.

A zombie knife can be up to two feet long with a serrated edge and images or words that glamorise violence.

The knives are designed with blood-like paint on the handle and blade and have been inspired by horror films and advertised as collectors’ items.

Dr Alan Billings said: “In the hands of the wrong people these knives are lethal weapons. Some are quite horrific with long blades and serrated edges.

“They have been too easy to obtain via the internet, sometimes for as little as £10.

“They glamorise violent behaviour and we need to protect people from them.

“Young people are being photographed for social media and the internet with these dangerous knives and I would urge anyone who knows of somebody who owns such a weapon to speak with them and encourage them to dispose of the knife safely.”

From Thursday, the making or selling of so-called zombie knives will become an offence as it is added the prohibited offensive weapons list under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Anyone found importing, making or selling could face a prison sentence of up to four years.