Operation Sceptre started again today (November 11) and runs all this week until Sunday, November 17.

The initiative takes place twice a year co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council and aims to raise awareness of knife crime, as well as police action in detecting, reducing and preventing it.

Officers from Carterton neighbourhood policing team have carried out several park sweeps with a metal detector to look for any prohibited items at the Kilkenny Lane adventure play park in the town and nearby villages such as Shilton.

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No items of concern were found today (November 11) and more searches will be carried out tomorrow, said the force.

During Operation Sceptre officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives, and to walk away from harm. 

Rural Banbury PCSOs will also be holding a number of knife amnesty meetings in the villages of Hook Norton, Deddington, Cropredy and Sibford Ferris to ensure the safe disposal of knives so that they cannot then be used as weapons, the force said.

All 43 police forces across England and Wales and British Transport Police take part in this week of intensified action.