A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon, with a machete also recovered as part of a crackdown on knife crime.

There have been three major incidents involving knives and bladed weapons in the borough this year, including a 22-year-old man, Aaron Douglas, being charged with attempted murder after a stabbing in Welwyn Garden City's Hall Grove in September.

Just three days later, two men were stabbed in Hatfield, and last month, a man in his 20s was treated in hospital after receiving a wound to the neck.

Welwyn Hatfield officers have been supporting the national knife crime campaign, Sceptre, to highlight the dangers of carrying knives. There was also a knife bin at Hatfield Police Station where residents could safely dispose of knives.

During the week, officers were out and about across the borough, with a 17-year-old boy from Welwyn Garden City arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon and being concerned in the supply of drugs. A machete was recovered.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Officers in Hatfield during proactive work for national knife crime campaign Spectre.Officers in Hatfield during proactive work for national knife crime campaign Spectre. (Image: Herts police)

READ MORE ON WELWYN HATFIELD KNIFE CRIME

The boy has been bailed, with conditions, while enquiries continue.

"We carry out lots of work throughout the year to tackle knife crime and Sceptre is a brilliant opportunity for us to push out our anti-knife crime stance even further," said Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team.

"Carrying a knife can have the most devastating consequences and whilst some may think it offers them protection, they are wrong.

"By carrying a blade you put yourself at higher risk of injury or death. In fact, there has been cases in the country where teenagers have been injured or even killed by someone else using the knife they were carrying.

"Aside from the danger, you could face a £5,000 fine and four years in jail – even if you don’t use it.

"We will remain committed to working with our local partners, including schools and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, to tackle knife crime all year round."