'Frightening' knives found stashed under bush during Sheffield litter pick

The Nether Edge volunteers found the weapons in a plastic bag stuffed under a hedge.

They called 101 but were not reassured so contacted local councillor Alison Teal. She rang a police inspector directly and was asked to take the knives to Woodseats police station.

Coun Teal said: “These were more than kitchen knives, they were frightening. It’s really shocking and an example of what knives are used on the streets.

“When you feel the weight of them you can imagine the damage they could cause. It’s sad that people feel they have to resort to carrying something like this. I’m relieved they were found and are with the police.”

Coun Teal has suggested police should look at how 101 calls about knives are handled. She added: “The resident was waiting ages on 101 then the operator assumed they were kitchen knives.

“The resident called me because they thought the police didn’t seem concerned and I called the inspector directly and sent her a photo.

“She offered to send an officer out straight away but I said I would take the knives to the police station. I think 101 should ask a few more questions or have a checklist for calls like this.”

South Yorkshire Police says if someone finds a knife with no obvious link to crime, it may be have been hidden for future use. Leave the knife in place and stay with it if possible. If not, and you can safely remove it, use clean rubber gloves and keep it in a safe place.

Call 101, you may be asked to place the knife in a clean plastic bag and take it to a police station.

If a knife is possibly linked to crime, leave it and don’t touch it. Call 101 and stay with it until police arrive, unless it is unsafe to do so. If it is raining or snowing, and it is possibly affecting the knife in any waycover it.