KNIFES can currently be handed in at a Basingstoke police station without legal repercussions as part of a nationwide campaign.

Members of the public are able to dispose of knives and bladed articles in the amnesty bin at the front office of Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre, in Jays Close, until Sunday, July 23 with no legal reprisals.

The amnesty is part of Operation Sceptre, a campaign through which Hampshire Constabulary is working to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers associated with knives.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We are using the bins being to help protect people from harm by taking those weapons off the streets.

"We know people carry knives for many reasons including fear, or because they think it will protect them. However, in reality carrying a knife puts you at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, not to mention being arrested for possession of a bladed article.

"This amnesty is your chance to hand unlawful weapons in and walk away before it’s too late"

The Operation Sceptre campaign was started by the Metropolitan Police and has been adopted by a number of police forces across the UK.

Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday.