HAND-HELD metal detectors are to be used on the streets of the North-East to deal with knife crime.

Airport-style metal detectors will be carried by police officers in Sunderland over the Bank Holiday weekend as part of a trial scheme.

The move is an attempt by Northumbria Police to crack down on knife crime.

It follows three high-profile knife deaths in the force area over the past month.

Superintendent Kay Blyth said: "There is simply no reason and no excuse for anyone to carry a knife in public.

"It doesn't make them safer and, in reality, puts them more at risk.

"This weekend is the ideal opportunity to put these metal detectors to the test.

"They will be used along with normal stop-and-search tactics."

Police have said that the extra measures do not mean that the region has a major problem with knife crime.

Supt Blyth said: "We don't have the same level of problems experienced in other parts of the country.

"Patrols are part of normal routine for us, We are raising the profile this weekend to reassure the public and address the concerns they have.

Extra patrols are being put out in other parts of the region, including the Northumberland County Fair and the Evolution Festival, in Gateshead, which is expected to draw a big crowd over the weekend.

Chief Inspector Tim Smith said: "We're expecting a busy weekend and have brought in extra officers accordingly but I'm sure the vast majority of people will be here to enjoy themselves."

Police say that that anyone found carrying a knife or a pointed instrument faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison or a fine of up to £5,000.