GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) are teaming up with other forces across the UK this week as part of a campaign to raise awareness of carrying knives.

Officers will be leading events across the region to teach people that carrying knives increases their own chances of being injured or killed and risks sending them to prison for up to four years.

They will also be urging residents to report people who they know carries a knife which could mean that they might be jailed for "joint enterprise" if they fail to do so.

GMP will work along partner agencies on activities such as joint Trading Standards visits to shops selling knives, high-visibility patrols and school presentations.

GMP Superintendent Glenn Jones said: “People who carry a knife often say it is to protect themselves.

"But we want people to know those who carry a knife or an offensive weapon are more likely to be seriously injured or killed themselves.

“We all have a role to play in tackling knife crime and during our week of action we are calling on communities to help us in our fight and encourage others to bin the blade before somebody is seriously hurt.

“Rest assured our work to combat this type of crime doesn’t stop here.

"We will continue to work alongside partner agencies and communities to reduce knife crime across Greater Manchester.”

GMP will be supporting the campaign by using the hashtag #StopKnifeCrime across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Deputy mayor for Greater Manchester Bev Hughes added: “Knife crime devastates the lives of victims and their families and brings misery and fear to our communities.

"We need to work together – police, local authorities, the voluntary sector and the public – to ensure that everyone understands that carrying a knife can easily end in tragedy.

"By raising awareness of the consequences I hope that people will make the right decision and not carry a knife.

"By making the right choice we can save lives and keep our streets safe.”

To report a crime, contact GMP on 101 or 909 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.