Police were searching for a knifeman who stabbed someone with a zombie blade and fled the scene of another stabbing in London – just hours before the government launched a crackdown on violent knife crime.
The victim was taken to hospital for emergency treatment and emergency services including an ambulance rushed to the scene in Enfield, north London.
Footage from the scene last night showed police cars filling the residential area and an ambulance nearby.
A large area has been cordoned off with police tape, and photos show a giant zombie knife resting on a manhole cover.
The serrated blade was photographed next to an abandoned bicycle and was also seen being examined by a forensic scientist.
It comes hours before new legislation is to be introduced in Parliament, with Home Secretary James Cleverley saying it aims to “close loopholes” in the criminalization of weapons.
Zombie knives were first banned in 2016, but ministers hope the tougher measures will mean some retailers will no longer be able to sell dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law.
Ahead of the announcement, Mr Cleverley met with Kent police chiefs to discuss his youth violence prevention project and joined officers on foot patrols in Gravesend city centre.
Labor said the changes had already been promised by six Conservative home ministers and would fall short of a “blanket ban” because of “loopholes”.
Asked why it took so long to pass the bill, Cleverley said: “We have already taken steps to make it illegal to carry zombie knives.”
“When I became Home Secretary, I will go further to introduce this second bill to support what we have already done to make the possession of zombie knives illegal and close that loophole. decided immediately.
“So I'm very happy that we're taking action now. We're determined to take these knives off our streets.”
Announcing the measure, he added: “We cannot force children to sell products. We must give young people a way out of violence.”
The ban, which will take effect in September, will make it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-like knives and machetes.
So-called zombie knives are currently defined by the government as blades with “edges, serrations, or images or wording suggesting they may be used for violence.”
Surrender plans have also been introduced for people to lay down their weapons without repercussions before the law comes into force.
Mr Cleverley said the measures taken this week would “further strengthen” the government's ability to tackle knife crime.
He added: “We will continue to build on the success stories since 2019, during which we saw a very significant reduction in knife crime.”
“We have plans to reduce knife crime.”
Knife crime activist Idris Elba praised the announcement but said it did not go far enough.
Actor Luther said he hopes all loopholes are closed and that knives and swords of all kinds are banned.
“I think this announcement is a step in the right direction on some of the issues we're dealing with, but it's only a small part. Unfortunately, it doesn't ban all knives, including swords, but… “I think this important step against zombie knives and machetes is really important,” he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
“We want all the loopholes to be ironed out and we want a speedy trial so people can’t run away with knives.
“But I think it's really important to remember that we need to understand what happens next when it comes to young people carrying knives for safety concerns and a variety of reasons. “We don't want to criminalize these people without providing them the opportunity to feel safe, so the entire community can feel included.”
I think enforcing this ban requires very critical thinking. I'm still thinking a lot more about how we can work together in a real roundtable between services, like the police, hospitals and education services, about how we intervene and how we protect. I'm fighting.
We want to see results quickly, but we need to think differently about this. All stakeholders, including young people – It is very important that young people are at the same table when talking about youth services.
The government also aims to toughen penalties for people found in possession of banned weapons, increasing the maximum sentence from six months to two years.
Yvette Cooper, Labour's shadow home secretary, said: “Six Conservative home ministers have promised these changes, but they still do not go far enough and do not align with Labour's plans for a comprehensive ban.” said.
“Dangerous weapons like the ninja swords that have been used to kill teenagers will continue to be available on British streets.
“Yet the law-breaking online platforms that profit from these illegal sales are slapped with impunity with impunity. Labor will close these glaring loopholes in the Government’s plans.”
Actor Idris Elba is also putting pressure on the government with the Don't Stop Your Future campaign, which calls for an immediate ban on machetes and zombie knives.
The announcement of the bill comes after Labor announced a £100m youth program to tackle knife crime.
The new plan is a direct reflection of New Labour's SureStart Childcare Plan, a national targeted program and program aimed at identifying and supporting young people at risk of becoming involved in violent crime. Become.