Tens of thousands of so-called ‘zombie knives’ and machetes were seized or surrendered last year, new figures reveal.

Zombie knives are weapons which are more than eight inches long and typically have a serrated edge, spikes or more than two sharp points.

The blades have been wielded by people as young as 16 to carry out deadly attacks on youngsters as they waited for buses or played football.

Despite being banned in the UK for more than a year, the weapons are still available on thriving black markets or online for just £20. But figures released today by the Home Office show that since July 2024, 59,259 knives have been taken from the streets of England and Wales.

Of them, 47,795 were zombie knives or machetes, sized by officers on patrol, flying drones or standing next to metal detec

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