Metal detectors are being used by police to clamp down on knife crime in the area.

The detectors, which will pick up hypodermic needles and knives, will be used by patrol officers in Liskeard and Looe.

Thought to be the first of their kind introduced in South East Cornwall, the sector inspector for Looe and Liskeard, John Turner, said: 'It is about three things really. Reassuring the wider community that we are actively searching for weapons, knives and needles, making officers safer when they conduct a search and transferring the fear to people who carry weapons on streets. We have had in the past officers get cut while searching so this is a precursor to that search.'

The force has purchased ten of the detectors, which pick up metal as small as a pin, and they will be used to complement standard training.

It is hoped the detectors will help cut down on violent crime in the area. There were 57 incidents last year involving the use of a weapon and ten arrests.

If the move proves successful, personal detectors could be issued to officers in the area.