POLICE say they have now identified all the boys who appeared in a photograph in which one was carrying a large kitchen knife.

The picture was taken around 5pm on Saturday in Roselands Avenue, Eastbourne, and posted on social media.

Officers are speaking to all of the boys and their parents to establish how they got hold of the knife.

Thanks to a local resident the knife was recovered after it was discarded and handed to police.

Police say it will be submitted for forensic examination, but there is nothing to indicate at this time that it has been used for any malicious act.

Specialist officers will work with the boys, their parents and the schools to reinforce the message about the dangers of carrying knives.

Inspector Rachel Barrow of Eastbourne Police said: “We would like to thank witnesses for their assistance and for drawing the matter to our attention.

"We recognise that incidents like this involving knives in our community can be really frightening, particularly when knife crime is in the forefront of many people’s minds.

"I would like to stress that on this occasion, no one has been hurt. I have spoken to residents to thank them for coming forward. I would also like to thank those parents for recognising the potential seriousness of this case and promptly contacting police.

"It has really helped to establish the facts quickly and allowed officers time speak with the boys about their involvement."

Anyone who sees a knife being carried in the street should call 999 immediately.