A 16-YEAR-old teenage girl has been charged with possession of a bladed article in Whitchurch as police carry out an anti-knife operation.

West Mercia Police received a report of a person in possession of a weapon on Monday, November 13, at around 9am.

Patrol officers from the North Shropshire division located the person and a stop and search was conducted.

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In a statement, the police said: “A 16-year-old female was arrested for possession of a bladed article by patrol officers from North Shropshire shift B.

“She was later charged with the offence in custody and a court hearing will follow.

“She was also issued with a Community Protection Notice which if breached could result in a fine of up to £2500 and further court sanctions.”

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According to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Community Protection Notice imposes restrictions on individuals whose conduct is having a "detrimental effect on the community" or if their behaviour is unreasonable.

This arrest forms a part of Operation Sceptre, which is the national anti-knife intensification week taking place from Monday, November 13, until Sunday, November 19.

During this week, officers will be undertaking a range of activity to target offenders including carrying out test purchases at retailers who sell knives, utilising weapon arches at key locations and making educational visits to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife and highlight the diversionary pathways away from knife crime.

Concerns about knife crime can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Fearless website.