Machete is among weapons given up in knife amnesty

The menacing blade is designed for chopping through thick undergrowth on jungle treks but is equally capable of causing horrfic injuries.

It was given to police on the first day of the national amnesty.

More than 40 knives mostly kitchen knives and folding blades have been surrendered at Astley Bridge and Bolton police stations since the amnesty began on Wednesday.

Chief Inspector Peter Matthews, who is co-ordinating the amnesty in Bolton, said: "This is a weapon which could cause somebody horrendous even fatal injuries, and I'm pleased to know it is off the streets.

"Thankfully, we've not had any incidents recently where weapons like this have been used, but they are incredibly dangerous. If someone has one lying around, for whatever reason, they are safer in our bin.

"I'm encouraged by the number of knives which have been surrendered so far.

"We don't have a big problem with knife-related crime in Bolton, but every weapon handed in means there is less risk of it being used to cause injuries."

The national amnesty was launched just days after the death of 15-year-old Kiyan Prince, who died of stab wounds outside his north London school.

Red deposit bins have been left at police stations across the country, and it is hoped that the total number of blades recovered will be greater than the 40,000 collected after the last national amnesty in 1996.

The amnesty is part of a range of measures being considered to reduce knife-related crime, which include raising the age at which a person can buy a knife from 16 to 18 years old.

Chief Insp Matthews said: "We're not naive enough to think that every criminal in Bolton will come and bring us their knives.

"More than anything, I want to target young people who might think that, by carrying a knife, they gain respect.

"They are putting themselves in a very vulnerable situation which could lead to either themselves or another youngster getting stabbed. The consequences of that could be devastating."