POLICE are backing national amnesty campaign in a bid to tackle knife crime.

People across Sussex are being urged to drop-off knives into specially placed bins as part of a drive to raise awareness of people who have lost their lives to knife crime.

The knives will be given to the British Ironwork Centre and used in a 20 foot memorial angel.

Chief Inspector Bruce Mathews said: "Thankfully knife crime isn't generally a problem in Sussex but this surrender will give members of the public the opportunity to dispose of any knives without prosecution.

"If you possess a potentially dangerous knife, please take this opportunity to get rid of your knife safely and anonymously.

"Knives are deadly weapons. Carrying one is illegal and you will be arrested and prosecuted should we catch you with one."

Police have also warned someone carrying a knife is much more likely to get stabbed themselves as situations can quickly escalate

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: "The sculpture will be a very poignant reminder to us all of the victims of knife crime and it's vital that we continue to raise awareness of the extremely serious consequences of carrying a knife."