Zombie knife amnesty and compensation scheme starts

There are exemptions for people who have good reason to own the items, for example, a specialist machete used in forestry or an antique Samurai sword.

But, people who do own long-bladed weapons are advised to check with their local police on whether they fall foul of the law.

The Conservative government tried a ban in 2016, but a loophole meant some items bypassed the rule.

In January, the home secretary at the time, James Cleverly, announced zombie-style knives and machetes – which have a sharp edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other – would be banned under new legislation.

While possessing the large bladed weapons in public is illegal, a loophole meant they can be kept and sold if they do not have images depicting violence on their handles.

A change to the Offensive Weapons Act closes that loophole and will come into effect next month.