A SHOCKED walker found two knives dumped close to a school – one on its playing field.

Andrew Field found one buried in the Ridgeway School playing field this week, soon after he found another on a nearby footpath to Wichelstowe.

He found the second kitchen knife, which had a 20cm blade, sticking in the ground as he was walking around picking up litter and empty drug bags.

He wrote on Facebook: “Knife found on football pitch behind Ridgeway School. The first knife found walking the path from Wroughton to Wichelstowe path at the end of Inverary Road

“The path gets very wet and muddy used by lots of people and children going to school.

“Lots on news at the moment about knife crime and kids carrying them due to bullying, just don’t expect to see on your doorstep.”

A spokeswoman from Wroughton Parish Council said: “We continue to work with the police and encourage all residents to report any issues to either 101 or 999, depending on the severity.

"The police are making daily patrols of the area and we encourage information sharing wherever possible.

“Councillors have been informed via social media and encourage any resident that finds or sees a knife in a public area to report it immediately to the police.”

Sgt Dave Tippetts from Wiltshire Police said: “Whoever is responsible for leaving knives in this location has been extremely irresponsible as it is an area used by families and young children. Any sharp implement has the potential to cause injury.

“Sharp items should be disposed of responsibly – anyone found in possession of a bladed weapon faces arrest and prosecution through the courts. Not only this, but they are putting themselves at greater risk of being a victim of violent crime.”

The school was the site of a violent hammer attack in 2007 on former pupil Henry Webster.

A group of Asian teenagers attacked the pupil in response to claims of bullying of Asian pupils at the school.

His attempt to get compensation was rejected by the High Court.

The school was unavailable to comment because of the half-term break, but has since put in strict anti-bullying policies.