Thousands of weapons found in schools
According to analysis by the Press Association, samurai swords, axes and air guns are among thousands of weapons seized from schools in England and Wales.
Analysis of data from 32 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales has shown that 2,579 weapons have been found in schools in the past two years.
In 2016-17, 1,369 weapons were found, which is an increase of 20 per cent from the previous year.
According to the 24 forces - including Manchester and the Metropolitan Police - that gave details of the type of weapons seized, nearly 20 per cent were knives or swords.
Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for knife crime, said: "Carrying a weapon of any kind in schools is not an issue for a school to deal with alone; police and partners will always be willing to work with them and take appropriate action.”
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