TEACHERS and nurses could be held accountable for failing to spot the warning signs of knife violence, under new government plans.

Ministers have floated plans for a public health duty, requiring everyone from A&E doctors to teachers to report indications a child might have become caught up in violence. A consultation runs until May 28.

It follows four serious stabbings in the capital this weekend.

Last week, Wiltshire police and crime commissioner appeared to pre-empt the latest Whitehall plans.

“Knife crime needs to be treated like a public health problem, as in Scotland," he told the Advertiser.

"This means it’s seen as a disease and the causes rather than the symptoms are dealt with. Police work with teachers, social and health workers to collate and share knowledge of people involved in gangs and from the statistics it appears to working there.”

“Here in Wiltshire and Swindon the police continue to work with the likes of the Youth Offending Team to help support preventative work.

"Early intervention is a major part of this crucial work - getting to the youngsters before they turn to use a blade for what they believe is protection."