The move follows a series of knife attacks in the area, including the fatal stabbing of chef Liam Attwell who went to the aid of a mugging victim.

Special safety bins are being placed in police stations across the city until 3 November.

People will be able to hand over their knives at any city police station.

The amnesty will be followed by a series of high-profile stop and search operations

Chief supt Mike Roe

Chief Superintendent Mike Roe said: "This initiative has a simple message - knives kill.

"We want to get knives off the streets of our city and we are offering people a chance to do this without prosecution.

"We are appealing to young people who may carry a knife for protection or as part of an image to bring them in and get rid of them.

"We are also urging parents to think about the dangers, to talk to their children and to take positive action where necessary."

Posters advertising the week-long amnesty are going up across the city.

"The amnesty will be followed by a series of high-profile stop and search operations in which officers will be stopping people in known problem areas," said Mr Roe.

"People found carrying a knife or any other offensive weapon will be dealt with severely."