POLICE chiefs will launch a blitz on knife crime this month to counter an expected rise in offences around Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night. Extra patrols will be on the streets from October 23 to November 12 to nab anyone carrying a blade. Transport cops will also be out in force to search suspicious passengers on trains and the Tube. The drive - across Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth, Lewisham and other Met areas - will also see officers going into schools to give talks on the dangers of knives.

Detective Inspector Ray McGeary, heading the drive in Lambeth, said: "Traditionally, there is a hike in antisocial behaviour between these dates that includes knife-related offences. "Anyone caught with a knife will be arrested."