Children able to buy knives in undercover visits

Underage volunteers were able to buy knives from one in four shops they visited as part of a trading standards operation in Lancashire.

The testers, aged 14-16, went into 49 shops across the county between 16 and 23 May and were able to buy blades from 12 of them.

Although this number was a fall on last year, Lancashire County Council said it was "deeply troubled" by the results, when the legal age to purchase knives is 18.

The joint project between Lancashire Trading Standards and Lancashire Police was part of the nationwide police campaign to raise awareness about knife crime called Sceptre.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, who was also involved, said: "Knife crime devastates families and communities, which is why it is so important we do everything we can to stop young people getting hold of knives in the first place.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Lewis said: "It is deeply troubling that local businesses were ready to sell knives to children.

"It's encouraging to see the proactive work of the Trading Standards Team, helping to tackle the issue at its root."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.