A campaign to educate the public on the dangers of carrying a knife is set to launch in Ashford this month.

It has been organised in an effort to crackdown on violent crime associated with knives which has increased across the country in recent years.

Police have organised a series of workshops to help raise awareness of knife crime, and to provide advice to help people to identify when someone could be at risk of exploitation.

Yesterday, officers made six arrests and recovered three knives following a disturbance in the town centre.

A number of police cars and two helicopters could be seen in Ashford after an armed gang were spotted rampaging through the town.

A host of educational events and activities are scheduled to take place across the next two months, which are aimed at school children, their parents and the wider community.

Officers and guest speakers will be visiting secondary schools and youth clubs to speak about their true-life experiences and their work against knife crime.

Volunteer police cadets and officers plan to engage with communities across the district, and will be out speaking to residents, shoppers and businesses.

A series of educational sessions, which aim to educate parents and guardians on how to safeguard their children against becoming involved in drug and knife crime, are set to take place in both Ashford and Tenterden.

To reserve a space, click here.

District Commander for Ashford, Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes, said: "This campaign was initially organised as our district response to concerns that violent crime and disorder associated with knives was increasing across the country in recent years.

"While in Kent we have seen a reduction in knife crime, we recognise the impact just one incident can have on a community and as safety is our priority, we believe it is important to continue educating people to help deter future issues.

"Businesses have their part to play in keeping Ashford safe and during the campaign our officers will be visiting shops to remind them of their responsibilities when selling knives.

"We hope people will find the parent and guardian sessions beneficial. It may seem unlikely that your child will get involved in criminal activity but it is essential that you know what to look out for, and where to get help if it does happen.

"It is important that people realise that carrying a knife can lead to serious, and even fatal, consequences.

"Our campaign is to help people feel empowered against knife crime and ensure Ashford remains a safe place to live."

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford