Large knife found in children's playground

A large knife has been found by children in a playground in York, a community group has said.

The weapon was discovered at Bell Farm Adventure Playground on Friday afternoon.

Chair of Bell Farm Community Association, Hilary Platt, said the find had sparked concern among residents.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed the weapon was now safely stored and would be forensically examined.

Ms Platt, who was sent a picture of the knife by a local parent, said she shared it on social media to raise awareness and prompt conversations with children about the dangers of knife crime.

She said the knife was found "leaning against a tree" and she feared the outcome could have been a lot more serious.

"If one of the children had waved it about they could have been killed," she said.

"Luckily they contacted parents, who then handed it in to police."

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "This is clearly very concerning, and the people who found it did the right thing by contacting the police.

"The knife is now safely stored and will be forensically examined to establish where it is from."

City of York Council has been approached for comment.

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