Last week, Essex Police worked in partnership with Maldon District Council Community Safety Team to carry out test purchasing in the district.

Using a young person volunteer, the police tested the Challenge 25 Policy on buying knives, vapes, alcohol and tobacco.

Out of 15 businesses tested, 13 successfully challenged the young person, with two going through with the sale.

Police offers spoke to the businesses that failed to carry out the appropriate checks.

The testing comes as part of a week long national police initiative to reduce knife crime - Operation Sceptre.

The Maldon Town Team were also out in Promenade Park last week working in partnership with colleagues from Maldon District Council to raise awareness around knife crime and how it can be prevented.

The team focused on educated the public about recent changes in legislation, meaning it is now illegal to import certain weapons and to possess specific knives and weapons in the home.