SCHOOLCHILDREN will be targeted as part of a crackdown on knives in Hampshire.

In line with the national campaign, a knife amnesty is being launched in Hampshire today in a bid to reduce the number of knife-related crimes.

As part of the month-long campaign bins will be set up at police stations across the county where knives and bladed weapons can be dumped on a no-questions asked basis.

Police in Southampton have designated four locations at Bitterne, Shirley, Portswood and Central police stations where knives can be surrendered anonymously.

Officers suggest that the blades should ideally be wrapped in cardboard.

In addition a poster campaign will also be launched with literature being sent to secondary schools across the county warning youngsters about the dangers of carrying knives. Beat officers are also being encouraged to visit schools to drive home the message.

It comes after research revealed that knife culture is spreading among teenagers with one in four 15 and 16 years olds admitting to carrying a knife for either protection or a status symbol.

The campaign has been given more prominence following the stabbing of school boy Kiyan Prince. The 15-year-old was allegedly attacked just yards from his school gates in London. A 16-year-old has been charged with his murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Cole, who launched the amnesty for Hampshire, said: "It's very important that the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are reassured that incidents of knife crime in this area are relatively few compared to other areas. In fact, knife crime in Hampshire is falling.

"Our involvement in this amnesty is designed to take knives off the streets so that they cannot be used in crime, and to educate people about the law in relation to knives.

"Our officers have had the opportunity to bid for Home Office funding to carry out enforcement work and we are encouraging anyone who carries a knife to take advantage of the amnesty and hand it in, rather than risk tough punishment if found to be carrying it when the amnesty has ended.''

The campaign has also won the backing of Southampton MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead. Alan Whitehead said: "There is too often a view that a knife is a less dangerous weapon than a gun for example and therefore is more acceptable.

"However, this is not and should not be the case - a knife can inflict the same fatal injuries as a gun. This is the message that we need to convey to encourage people to take part in this amnesty."

John Denham said: "Please do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police.

"Remember this is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time."