Government considers new 'zombie knives' law

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has been leading a campaign against the sale of the weapons which have names such as Head Splitter, Death Dagger and The Skinner.

Next month he will meet with Home Office minister Karen Bradley MP to discuss the issue - with the date now confirmed for March 2.

In the mean time the minister wrote to Mr Jamieson stating the government was considering legislative action.

In her letter, Mrs Bradley, said: "I share your concerns about the sale of 'zombie knives' and how they can be seen as glamourising violence. As you point out, these knives have no place on our streets and could be very dangerous and I welcome the action you are leading in the West Midlands against these knives.

"I would like to sure you that reducing violence including knife crime is an important priority for the government. We are also considering whether to take legislative action against zombie knives.

"As you know, it is important that there is an effective operational response by police forces. We are therefore supporting action against knives being planned and co-ordinated by a number of police forces, including West Midlands Police, for the half-term week in February.

"This will involve targeting habitual knife carriers, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives from identified retailers and use of surrender bins, such as those across the West Midlands."

Mr Jamieson is calling for a total ban on the sale of the blades which are being increasingly used by criminal gangs.

Questions on the vicious-looking blades have also been tabled in Parliament by Dudley North MP Ian Austin.

The fight has also been taken to online retailer Amazon - and Mr Jamieson said he is encouraged by what he had observed.

He said: "I am encouraged by what I've seen on Amazon recently. Following my letter, there has been a reduction of the number of 'zombie knives' appearing on their pages and security measures appear to be even more robust. I am also calling on other retailers to follow suit.

"I'm also pleased the government is taking this issue as seriously as I am and I'm looking forward to meeting Karen Bradley next month.

"The meeting is a crucial step towards a full ban on the sale of 'zombie knives'. These weapons have no practical usage whatsoever and the sooner they're off the streets once and for all, the better."