ZOMBIE-STYLE knives and machetes can be handed in at Minehead Police Station as part of a national Home Office amnesty.

Starting at midnight on September 24, it will be a criminal offence to possess a zombie-style knife or machete and the items have been added to the list of prohibited offensive weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

To help the public comply with this change, the Home Office has launched a surrender and compensation scheme running from August 26 to September 23.

During this period people will be able to surrender any zombie-style knife or machete to the police and claim compensation.

People have been warned that after September 24, possessing these items could lead to a criminal prosecution.

Chief Inspector Mike Vass has urged anyone in possession of these weapons to surrender them before the law takes effect.

He said: "These items can have tragic circumstances in the wrong hands. Please do the right thing and ensure they are surrendered safely.

"Minehead Police Station has been named as one of the designated stations that can take the knives.”

The station will be open from 10am to 1.30pm and 2.15pm to 6pm Monday to Friday for knives to be surrendered.

Zombie-style knives and machetes are defined as weapons with blades over eight inches (20cms) in length that normally have a serrated cutting edge.

Before surrendering a knife or machete people must wrap it in something such as a towel and carry it in a bag to prevent injury; make a specific journey to dispose of it, rather than carrying the item in public for longer than necessary; and ensure the police station enquiry office is open before making the journey.

People have been reminded that they can anonymously dispose of any knives and bladed items all-year round at police stations.

Individuals can anonymously dispose of any knives and bladed articles all year round using our permanent surrender bins. For more information on these and advice on how to keep yourself safe from knife crime, visit: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/protect-yourself-and-others-from-knife-crime/.