A FRIGHTENING-looking blade has been found and seized in Hereford.

The blade was handed to a safer neighbourhood team officer who was on patrol in the Hunderton area of Hereford, said South Wye police community support officer Tally Hunt.

"Luckily, a member of public found this weapon whilst an officer was in the area, they were able to seize this and get it off the street," PCSO Hunt said.

"We are reminding members of public that if you find any weapons or bladed articles, please hand this to the local station or Police Officer as soon as possible.

"This nasty weapon will now be disposed of.

"Thank you for keeping our streets safe."

What does the law say about bladed articles?

Possessing a bladed article in a street can land you in legal trouble, if you do not have a good reason, reasonable excuse or lawful authority for having a knife with you.

Bladed articles do not have to be sharp, and can even include butter knives. The only exception to the bladed or sharply pointed provision is a folding pocketknife, and only if the blade does not exceed three inches. Typically this would catch Swiss army-style knives.

“Folding pocketknife” means immediately foldable, simply by pressing it into place. If any further action is required, such as pressing a button or releasing a catch (as is the case with a lock knife), the knife is not a folding pocketknife.

All other bladed articles which are plainly not foldable pocketknives, such as kitchen knives or a foldable cut-throat razor, are caught by this legislation irrespective of length.

A folding pocket knife less than three inches will be classed as an offensive weapon if carried with the requisite intent.