Strathclyde Police has become the first Scottish force to use metal detectors to tackle knife crime.

The miniature metal detectors were introduced in the run-up to a five-week nationwide knife and weapons amnesty which is part of a year-long anti-violence campaign, tackling knives, alcohol and violence.

Superintendent Graham Cairns from the Safer Scotland Co-ordination Unit said: ‘People who carry knives must be aware of the potential consequences. There are no excuses and I would ask parents to play their part, too. The use of metal detectors is part of a wider strategy to tackle violent crime.’

Chief Inspector Alex McGuire from the Safer Scotland Co-ordination Unit, who has been seconded from British Transport Police to the Safer Scotland campaign, said: ‘We want to send out a strong message to people who behave violently and carry weapons that it's not safe to carry a knife. If you do, you will get stopped, searched and arrested.’