Keeping knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives in private is now illegal following changes to the law brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.

Other sections of the act include an updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives.

This is the first part of new legislation - the rest of the act kicks in later his year - which will help police address the growing issue of online knife sales.

The new law will place responsibility onto delivery firms to conduct age verification at point of delivery. These measures will help police deter young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.

Supt Phil Staynings said: “We welcome any legislation which will assist us in tackling violent crime, particularly where it can help stop young people getting hold of knives or other dangerous weapons.

“While the vast majority of young people in Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire are not involved in this type of activity, we know that it is something our communities are concerned about and we are continuously working with partners to prevent the small minority becoming drawn into violent crime.”