KNIFE arches were used in a police operation at an Edmonton school last week in a bid to improve student safety.

Officers from the borough's Safer Schools Team installed the arches – which screen for metal objects – outside Aylward Academy in Windmill Road on Wednesday.

Pupils had to walk through the devices to enter the school.

Borough Commander Dave Tucker said that although no weapons were recovered, he hoped the arches worked as a deterrent.

He said: “Whilst there is not a problem with knives in schools, we know that some young people may feel the need to carry them.

“This initiative is part of a larger educational programme which involves officers talking to students in schools about the dangers of knife crime.”

The school is one of the first in the borough to take part in a screening arch initiative, and principal Jonathan Gillard said he was delighted at the operation.

He added: “we all feel at Aylward Academy that it serves as a very good deterrent and enhances the pupils’ safety in our academy and the community.”

The Enfield Independent is running the Don't Carry, Don't Kill campaign against teenage knife crime with the support of local community groups and politicians.

Click here to visit our campaign homepage.