Two suspected ‘zombie-style’ blades have been discovered by police during a house visit in Carlton.
A sword and dagger with serrated edges were among a collection of weapons found in the property by police.
Both were believed to be so-called ‘zombie-style’ blades, which are set to become illegal in the UK later next month.
These weapons are over eight inches long and have either a serrated edge, multiple holes in the blade, spikes, or more than two sharp points.
Response officers discovered the weapons – along with a samurai sword – while attending a house in Corsham Gardens around 5am on Thursday (29).
Police also seized a samurai sword from the same address which they were visiting in connection with reports of criminal damage.
Samurai swords are on the existing list of weapons that are illegal to be kept in private, under the Offensive Weapons Act.
Following the sword’s discovery, a 47-year-old man was subsequently charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
He was also charged with assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage, and using abusive language.
The suspect is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on September 13.
Under the Offensive Weapons Act, zombie-style weapons will soon become illegal for anyone to keep in their homes or in another private place in the UK.
Amnesty
Ahead of the September 24 law change, a national initiative is currently underway to encourage people to hand these weapons in to the police.
Under the scheme, owners of these blades could receive financial compensation if they hand them in at one of five chosen police stations in Nottinghamshire.
After uncovering two weapons that could potentially qualify, police have now urged owners to take advantage of the initiative ahead of the law change.
Sergeant Joe Hunt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While they’re not currently illegal, it is now only a matter of time before some of the weapons we found in this incident are outlawed.
“It is really important that owners of these ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes know that it will be a criminal offence to store them in private from 24 September.
“We would therefore encourage anyone who has these weapons to hand them in and make the most of the national scheme that is currently ongoing.
“As well as avoiding getting into trouble with the law, there is also the opportunity to be financially compensated in the process, so it really does seem like a no-brainer.
“Anyone wanting to take advantage of the initiative and hand these weapons over to the police should rest assured that this isn’t a trick, and they won’t get into trouble if they do so.”
