Zombie knife ban after shocking attack in city's Quay Street

The so-called "zombie-style" knives and machetes are to be banned under new plans as we recall some of the disturbing incidents involving these weapons in Worcester. 

The nationwide zombie knife ban comes after a shocking attack in the city's Quay Street two years ago. 

In November 2021, we reported how a youth was 'looking for trouble' when he hacked two men in the face with a 'zombie' knife leaving one victim with a gaping wound and a broken skull.

SENTENCE: Judge Nicolas Cartwright, who sentenced the 'zombie' knife attacker, has spoken of the dangers of carrying knives (Image: Supplied)

The 16-year-old, who could not be named, was drunk and high on cannabis when he slashed the heads of both men.

He was detained for 40 months following the attack on the 18-year-old victims on Friday, June 4, 2021.

READ MORE: Worcester teen hacks two men in bloody 'zombie knife' attack

READ MORE: Worcester police raid two city homes and arrest two

PRESENCE: Police in Worcester on the night of the attack. (Image: Jason John)

In an unrelated incident in June this year, five weapons, including a ‘zombie’ style knife and suspected class A drugs were seized during police raids.

Residents on Portefields Road and Mulberry Terrace got an unexpected wake-up call when police entered two homes on June 15.

The maximum sentence for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of these newly proscribed weapons will be two years, the Home Office said.

A new offence will also be introduced for possessing bladed articles "with the intention to endanger life or cause fear of violence".

The Government said the measures, first proposed in April, will be legislated "when Parliament allows" following a public consultation.

The possession of so-called "zombie" knives, currently defined by the Government as a blade with "a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence", is already illegal.

Under the new measures, the Home Office said the definition will include any bladed weapon more than eight inches long with a plain-cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade or multiple sharp points like spikes.

Ministers hope the changes will close a loophole which has seen some retailers continue to sell dangerous weapons without breaking the law by removing certain banned features.

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the newly prohibited weapons "should have been banned years ago", and accused the Government of failing to properly close gaps in the current legislation.

Police will be given new powers to seize and destroy knives found on private premises if there are "reasonable grounds to believe the blade will be used in a serious crime", said the Home Office.

The Sentencing Council will also be asked to consider amending guidelines for the possession of bladed articles and offensive weapons so that these are treated more seriously than possession of non-prohibited weapons.