'Zombie knives' are banned from midnight tonight, police in Worcestershire have warned as a change in the law makes it illegal to possess one. 

A change to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will mean from midnight tonight (September 24) it will be illegal to be in possession of a ‘zombie style’ knife and machete.

It will also be against the law to manufacture, import, sell or supply these items.

ANGEL: The Knife Angel in Worcester ANGEL: The Knife Angel in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Since August 26, a West Mercia Police spokesperson said the force had  been in full support of a national call from the government for people to surrender all ‘Zombie style’ knives and machetes.

Owners of such weapons had one month to surrender their weapons to the police in return for compensation.

If you are still in possession after 11.59pm this evening (September 23), your possession will become unlawful unless you have a defence. You can still surrender items to the police, but you may be liable for prosecution having possessed it.

Superintendent Brian Gibbs, Head of prevention for West Mercia Police, said: “There is no legitimate reason to be in possession of weapons such as these. We all too often see the tragic consequences of knife crime to victims, families and officers who have to face the threat.

“West Mercia remains a safe place to live and visit but this change in legislation adds more strength to existing police powers to remove these weapons off the streets”.