'Zombie knife' ban to come into force

Sellers of zombie knives will face jail from this week as a ban on the "horrific" weapons comes into force in England and Wales.

Inspired by horror films and often advertised as collectors' items, the blades - which can be up to two foot-long with a serrated edge - are available on the internet for as little as £10.

Last June, a teenager was stabbed to death with a "Zombie Killer" machete in north London.

New legislation prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives will take effect on Thursday.

Anyone caught making or selling the items will face up to four years in prison.

"This government will act wherever necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe," safeguarding minister Sarah Newton said.

"Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage - they have no place whatsoever in our society."

Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said the knives were "absolutely horrific weapons" and a ban was vital in protecting people from knife crime.