People who carry knives on the streets of Sutton face arrest, conviction or being injured by their own weapon.

That is the latest warning from Sutton police, who have launched a new offensive to target knife crime, and raise awareness among young people. Police may also install knife amnesty bins for unwanted weapons in schools.

Sutton joins two other London boroughs, Southwark and Hammersmith and Fulham, in piloting Operation Blunt, to arrest and deter people involved in knife crime.

Officers also unveiled an x-ray machine in Sutton High Street, which will be used during operations. The machine gives a digital image of a suspect in seconds, eliminating the need for a body search.

Extra resources will be allocated to knife hotspots, and schools and youth groups will be involved to reinforce the message about the dangers of knives to young people.

A number of knife amnesty bins will also be set up at sites around the borough for the public to hand in illegal, or unwanted knives, without fear of reprisals.

Inspector John Pendleton said: "We would be interested in places, such as youth clubs, that attract young people aged between 12 and 20.

"We are also looking to install the bins in schools at the beginning of next term."

Insp Pendleton said: "Compared to other areas, our knife crime is very low, but we have still got local lessons to learn."

However, some parents remain cautious about targeting schools. One mother, whose son attends Glenthorne High School, said: "I would rather see them put bins in a public place."

Anyone with information on knife-related crime can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.