'Knives have no place in communities and those found to be carrying them will be dealt with in the strictest terms.'

That was the message from the North Wales Police Wrexham Town team as they released worrying images of weapons seized in the town centre last year.

These weapons were seized by an officer on patrol in the town centre, following a search of two males.

In court, both males pleaded guilty to being in possession of bladed weapons.

Inspector Luke Hughes said: “Offences such as this are rare in Wrexham, thankfully. But knife crime can affect anyone and the consequences can be catastrophic.

"Occasionally the excuse of protection will be used - but in fact you are much more likely to become a victim of knife crime yourself. Situations involving weapons can quickly get out of control.

“If you are found with a knife - you will be arrested and are very likely to be charged with a crime for a first-time offence.

“We must challenge the assumption that it’s normal to carry a knife. It isn’t. You are putting yourself, other people and your future at risk.”