A MONTH-LONG operation aimed at getting knives off the streets has been launched by Northumbria Police.

As part of Operation Dagger, high-profile patrols will be carried out by officers in the Arthurs Hill area of Newcastle West Area Command, aimed at detecting and preventing serious offences.

Detective Inspector Max Black said: "There have been several incidents of assaults where knives have been used to inflict serious injuries and a number of robberies where a knife has been produced or threatened."

Anyone who wants to talk confidentially to a police officer about issues of violence in the Arthurs Hill area can contact 0191-214 6555, ext 62345