KNIFE crime in Cheshire has risen by almost 10 per cent more than the national average, new figures show.

A national rise in stabbings saw more than 37,000 recorded knife crimes across England and Wales between October 2016 and September 2017, a 44 per cent increase on the same period in 2012-13.

Cheshire saw a 52 per cent increase to a total of 306 crimes in which knives were used, including 196 incidents of assault, 81 robberies and three attempted murders.

The Home Office last week published their Serious Violence Strategy, which aims to prevent young people being drawn into lives of violence.

Cheshrie’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane has lent his support to the initiative.

He said: “Over recent years we have seen an increase in the number of violent crimes in Cheshire where knives or offence weapons have been used.

“Although, thankfully, the majority of these attacks haven’t resulted in death, a number of individuals have sustained life changing injuries which will have a long-lasting effect on their lives and their families’ lives.

“It’s time that we put an end to these violent crimes and I am supportive of any initiative which seeks to reduce the amount of people harmed in our communities.

“I am pleased to see that one of the ways the government’s Serious Violence Strategy looks to address the issue is by providing funding for community run early intervention projects that help young people stay away from violence.”

Other knife offences in Cheshire included 19 death threats, as well as six rapes and one sexual assault.

Announcing the new strategy, home secretary Amber Rudd said that there were strong links between the rise in knife crime and drug dealing.

Ms Rudd said: "I've seen what's going around our streets - the zombie knives, axes and bayonets.

"And let me tell you, it might have had a place in medieval warfare but it certainly doesn't have a place on our city streets."

Among the measures announced were new restrictions to be placed on the online sale of knives, and a complete ban on certain weapons, including zombie knives.

Mr Keane added: ““Although reducing violent crime cannot be left to the police alone, it is evident that the continued reduced resources and funding for local police services is having an effect on the increased number of crimes committed on our streets.

“Our thin blue line has already reached breaking point, despite us already doing a huge amount to reduce the spend of the force. I would like to see the current government commit to providing the resources police forces need to put the right steps in place to reduce violent crimes.”

By contrast to increases in Cheshire and other rural areas, Greater Manchester was the only area in the country to see a drop in knife crimes during the timeframe.