Councils have backed new legislation that will ban the sale, importation and manufacture of ‘zombie knives’.
The curved blades – often inspired by horror films and video games – have a serrated edge and include images or words that glamorise violence.
Although the knives are often sold as collectors’ items, the police have warned the ‘horrific’ weapons are also being used to harm other people.
‘Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage - they have no place whatsoever in our society,’ said minister for vulnerability, safeguarding and countering extremism, Sarah Newton.
‘We committed to banning the sale, manufacture and importation of these dangerous weapons. With the ban now becoming law, we are delivering on our commitment. Anyone caught making or selling zombie knives now faces up to four years in prison.’
Cllr Morris Bright, vice chairman of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said the ban would ‘help reduce the number of lethal blades in society’.
He added: ‘An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives also needs to be created - similar to that of the alcoholic drinks industry - which would promote their responsible sale.’
