A large machete discovered in a bush in Erith has been seized by police, preventing it from potentially being used in criminal activity.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to a report regarding the weapon on February 10. A photograph shared by police shows a long-bladed knife with a black and orange grip, alongside a black fabric sheath.
Machete Seized in Effort to Keep Streets Safer
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:
**“Officers from MPS Erith and MPS North Heath recovered this large machete-style knife after a call was made to police stating it had been found in a bush in Erith.
“Another weapon seized, preventing it being used in crime, and keeping our streets safer.”**
The discovery comes amid rising concerns over knife crime in London.
Sharp Rise in Knife Crime Over the Last Decade
According to the Ben Kinsella Trust, police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument have increased by 94% over the last 10 years, reaching 55,008 incidents by September 2024.
The Ben Kinsella Trust, named after 16-year-old Ben Kinsella, who was tragically killed in a knife attack in 2008, works to raise awareness, educate young people, and provide training to tackle the growing epidemic of knife crime in the UK.
Investigation Ongoing
It is currently unclear how the machete ended up in the bush or if it was linked to criminal activity. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information about weapons in their area to report them anonymously to help keep communities safe.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow if new information emerges.
