Vicious 'zombie knives' to be banned after campaign by West Midlands PCC
Brutal 'zombie knives' - which have names such as 'Head Splitter' and 'Skinner' and can measure up to 2ft in length with serrated edges - are to be banned.
Following months of campaigning by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, laws are to be past to prohibit the sale, manufacture or importation of the vicious blades.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: "There can be no legitimate reason for anybody to need one of these."
Last year an Express & Star investigation highlighted a legal loophole that meant 'zombie knives' could be ordered online and delivered to homes in the UK.
Although carrying one on the street can result in a prison sentence of up to four years, possessing one at home is within the boundaries of the law.
The investigation prompted Mr Jamieson to launch a campaign for an outright ban on the sale of the knives.
He said:"This is wonderful news - real progress has been achieved and we have been able to change the law for the better.
"Zombie knives have no practical usage whatsoever and are being increasingly used by criminal gangs on the streets. With names like Head Splitter and Death Dagger, no sensible person wants to see them in general circulation and I am delighted that, after months of hard work, we will finally see these gruesome weapons banned.
"The Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has achieved something great here. I made a proactive decision to act before this became a widespread problem and I'm thankful my concerns have been heard by top-level government.
"Theresa May now needs to set out exactly which legislation she will bring in and do so as quickly as possible. I will keep pressing until these weapons are banned once and for all."
During his campaign, the Commissioner met with both Home Office Minister Karen Bradley MP and Shadow Policing Minister Jack Dromey in Westminster, pointing out the dangers of 'zombie knives' and their growing prevalence on the streets. He has also wrote to Theresa May and Amazon UK CEO Chris North, which resulted in security being tightened on the website. Questions were also tabled in Parliament by local West Midlands MP Ian Austin in February 2016.
