AN 18-year-old man was found in possession of an offensive weapon in Swindon following a routine vehicle stop.

PC Luke Hobbs from the Swindon North Community Policing Team and PC Frank Katus of the Roads Policing Unit were on patrol when they carried out a routine vehicle stop in the Queensfield area of Swindon on May 25.

The vehicle was being driven by an 18-year-old woman, with three male occupants.

A search was conducted of the vehicle – a Vauxhall Corsa- and a weapon was located. One of the males in the vehicle – was interviewed in relation to this and has been reported to court for the offence of being in possession of an offensive weapon.

The driver tested positive for being under the influence of cannabis. She was subsequently arrested and has since been released under investigation whilst toxicology reports are carried out.

PC Luke Hobbs said: “This routine traffic stop goes to show that stopping motorists isn’t just about dealing with traffic offences.

“Stopping this vehicle has taken another driver off the road who was under the influence of drugs – she was putting herself, her passengers and innocent members of the public at risk.

“After stopping the car, we searched it and were able to take a dangerous knife off of the streets – this was not your usual in-store purchase, this is clearly a weapon made and intended to cause significant harm.”

The man will appear at court at a date to be confirmed.