Knife wands have been handed out to pubs and bars in Kent to deter violent crime.

Police have visited 10 venues in Dover and Deal this month to give out the hand-held metal detectors to businesses in an attempt to stop dangerous objects being brought their premises.

It's hoped an increased use of these devices will stop people from carrying weapons in the towns.

PC Dannii Rolfe, of Dover's community safety unit, said: "There is no excuse for carrying a weapon of any kind in Kent and we will seek the prosecution of anyone who does so.

"We are very pleased with the response from staff in bars and pubs in Dover and Deal and welcome their help, along with partner agencies, in our ongoing work to confront the issue."

The initiative was funded by the Dover Community Safety Partnership with funds from the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Kent's crime commissioner Matthew Scott has welcomed the introduction.

'We're determined to tackle the scourge of knife crime as part of our work with the police...'

He said: "The purpose of the VRU is to bring agencies from across Kent and Medway together to prevent crime and keep people safe.

"I'm glad that the money we received from government last year is supporting projects which are having a positive impact within local communities."

Chairman of the partnership Cllr Nigel Collor (Con) said: "We're determined to tackle the scourge of knife crime as part of our work with the police and partners to support licensed premises across the district.

"Whilst levels of knife crime are low in the district, this initiative is another example of how we're supporting local venues to help keep people safe."

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