Knives, hammer and machete found after masked men seen in Wolverhampton
Twenty masked men in Wolverhampton city centre were reported to police, who later discovered knives and a hammer close-by.
Officers were called to the group in Victoria Street on Saturday evening at 7.30pm.
A machete, two kitchen knives and the hammer were then found under a bin in Darlington Street.
The incident was raised by West Midlands Police Federation’s newly-elected chairman, Richard Cooke, who today backed an Express & Star campaign over knife sales.
Mr Cooke, who was most recently a response officer based in Walsall, wants loopholes tightened over the types of blades sold.
Currently, zombie knives are banned.
They have a serrated edge with a logo or words suggesting violence. But a knife with a serrated edge without a logo or words is legal to sell.
Mr Cooke said: “The loopholes need to be closed. There is no reason for anybody to be carrying around such dangerous-looking knives.
“Someone with one is only intent on causing violence or intimidation.
"This all comes at a time we are seeing a rising number of knife crimes in our area, just look at the incident on Saturday night, for example.
“Legislation needs to be changed to help tackle this problem, and stop the knives being sold in this way.”
West Midlands Police last night confirmed it was called to the incident in Wolverhampton on Saturday night.
A spokesman said: “Officers were called to Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, at around 7.30pm on Saturday evening to calls relating to a large group of masked men.
"Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to a group of men, who weren’t committing any offences.
"Police later found knives and a hammer placed under a bin in Darlington Street.
"CCTV and area searches have been conducted in relation to these weapons."
The Express & Star campaign was launched after a long-reach machete was purchased from a city centre shop for £13.90.
The campaign calls on Home Secretary Sajid Javid to review legislation regarding the sale of knives, swords and other weapons.
