KNIFE crime across the county is rising, according to new figures from the Home Office.

Data shows that levels of knife crimes in Cheshire have more than doubled in just 12 months.

In 2020/21 there were 265 knife crimes recorded in the area - this increased to 533 in 2021/22.

Warrington Guardian: Knife offences across Cheshire have spiked this yearKnife offences across Cheshire have spiked this year (Image: Cheshire Police)

This means that the county had a rate of 49 knife offences per every 100,000 residents during 2021/22 - which is way below the national average of 82 per 100,000.

In 2020/21 levels dipped due to the pandemic, however, the latest pre-pandemic statistics show that there were 401 offences - meaning that this year, reported offences have increased by more than 130.

Firearm offences in the area have fallen from 94 last year to 85 this year - giving a rate of eight offences per 100,000 people.

Again, this is below the national average, which is 10 offences per 100,000 residents.

In Warrington specifically, there were 56 recorded instances of 'possession of weapons' offences in this time, according to data from Police.uk.

That means that for every 100,000 people in Warrington, there is around 28 'possession of weapons' offences.

The Ben Kinsella Trust is a charity that works to combat knife crime, CEO of the trust, Patrick Green, said: "With more austerity cuts looming, we must not repeat the mistakes of the past and reduce police funding and cut youth services.

"Only through strong enforcement and investing in prevention and early intervention services can we hope to make any headway against this growing menace."

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson said officers are committed to preventing violent offences and added tackling knife crime and removing weapons from the streets are 'top priorities.'

"Every weapon removed from the streets is possibly a life saved," the NPCC added.

"The harm caused by knife crime to families and communities is devastating and the issue remains a top priority for policing but is not something that can be solved by policing alone."

Superintendent Sarah Heath said: "Here in Cheshire we have a robust approach to making the county a hostile environment for criminals, including those who carry knives.

“Officers visit local schools and colleges to help educate young people about the horrific consequences of knife crime.

“We continue to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying a weapon and to use all of the powers at our disposal to combat weapon-enabled crime.

“However, we can’t achieve this goal on our own. Knife crime is a societal problem that can’t be solved without the support of the whole society.

"Telling us someone you know has a knife could help save a life."