Police last night launched a month-long "weapons surrender" campaign following the seizure of swords and knives from a shop.

The public will be able to leave any potentially offensive or illegal weapon at the front offices of Lancing and Shoreham police stations without fear of prosecution.

Police said the aim was to clear the streets of dangerous knives and other bladed items.

The initiative followed a raid on January 28 at The Sword Shop in Crabtree Avenue, Lancing, where an array of bladed weapons was seized including push daggers, throwing knives and side-handled baton swords.

Inspector Howard Hodges, from Adur police, who is leading the campaign, said: "If anyone thinks they have something that could be an offensive weapon then now is the time to dispose of it.

"Very often, people have these kinds of items in their lofts or cupboards and simply don't know what to do with them.

"Our message is simple - get rid of them. They could be extremely dangerous - even deadly - if they fell into the wrong hands and it could be the case that just by possessing these things people are breaking the law."

Police also appealed to parents of children who may have purchased weapons from The Sword Shop to get in touch.

The shop's owner has denied the weapons are dangerous or illegal and has insisted he did not sell to under-18s.

Mr Hodges said: "Investigations are ongoing to establish whether or not the items being sold were in fact prohibited and what offences may or may not have been committed.

"Regardless of this, it is a fact that these items are potentially deadly.

We want them off our streets and are giving people the opportunity to dispose of them safely."

The weapons surrender will last for all of February. Anyone needing information can call Insp Hodges on 0845 6070999.