In total, 37 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offences resulted in an immediate custodial sentence in 2018, according to the Ministry of Justice, compared with 20 per cent in 2008.

From December 2012, new offences of aggravated knife, or offensive weapon possession came into force. Anyone aged 16 or over who uses a knife to threaten and endanger others in a public place or in a school will face a minimum custodial sentence, unless the court considers there to be particular circumstances which would make it unjust to do so.

In November 2013, revised guidance on cautions was issued making it clear that simple cautions should not be be given for possession of a knife and other serious either way – crimes which can either be prosecuted by magistrates or in a crown court – offences.

A minimum custodial sentence for those aged 16 or over who are convicted of a second offence of possession an offensive weapon or bladed article was also introduced in July 2015.

The minimum custodial sentence is six months for those aged 18 or over and a four month detention and training order for 16 and 17 year olds.