More than 150 “zombie” knives and machetes were surrendered in Sussex in the space of a month.

Police said dozens of the dangerous weapons had been taken off the streets as part of an amnesty in which people could hand in the knives for money.

The weapons are being made illegal in a bid to tackle knife crime across the country.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said 155 zombie-style knives and machetes were handed by members of the public between August 22 and September 23.

A zombie knife is described as having a blade longer than eight inches and a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, spikes or multiple sharp points.

Police forces across the UK offered £10 for each knife handed in as part of a surrender and compensation scheme to take the weapons off the streets.

Possessing, selling, manufacturing or transporting the weapons was made illegal from September 24.

Sussex Police chief inspector Jim Loader, force lead on knife crime, said: “We have seen the tragic impact that knife crime can cause in the past year. The death of Charlie Cosser was a stark and awful reminder of the dangers posed by people carrying knives.

“It is clear that these weapons have no place in public or private places.

“The vital changes to legislation will take more weapons off the streets, and deal with those intent on using them. The law will also make it more difficult for young people to get knives and other dangerous items in the first place.”

Charlie Cosser, 17, died after being stabbed at a party in Warnham in July last year. Yura Varybus, now 17, has been jailed for life for his murder.