MEMBERS of the public out in Redditch this week could be asked by police to walk through a metal detector, as part of a crackdown on people carrying knives in the town centre.

West Mercia and West Midlands police forces have teamed up with British Transport Police to carry out the scheme, which will see a 'knife arch' - similar to those used in airports - set up in undisclosed locations around Redditch throughout this week.

Officers say the first day of the crackdown has already seen 'a number of successful outcomes', with one man being cautioned for possession of cannabis.

Inspector Mark Chappell, of West Mercia Police, said: "We want to reassure residents who've raised concerns about people carrying knives in Redditch that we are doing our utmost to catch potential criminals and that we are actively tackling organised crime.

"I would like to send out a clear message that it is not acceptable to carry knives, and that doing so could have fatal consequences.

"Our officers are also working closely with schools in the area to try and deter young people from carrying knives by educating children about the dangers and consequences.

"These are relationships that we really value, and I would like to thank all our partners who are assisting with the activity we are carrying out this week.

"Today, there have been a number of successful outcomes for revenue protection officers from West Midlands Trains, and one male has been cautioned for being in possession of cannabis."