Zombie knife seized during GCSE student disorder

A zombie knife has been seized by police who also arrested two teenagers in the centre of Birmingham after fireworks were let off during a huge gathering of GCSE school leavers.

Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of students on New Street screaming, as the fireworks were let off on to the pavement on Monday.

Officers said they responded quickly to reports of trouble in the area and were aware ahead of time of student plans to congregate in the area.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and theft. A second teenager was earlier arrested following an assault on a police officer.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt," a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said, adding officers were continuing to investigate and reviewing video footage circulating online.

Zombie-style knives are defined as weapons with blades over eight inches (20cm) in length, normally with a serrated cutting edge.

Ch Insp Dan Thomas said: "We acted quickly to set up this operation with a clear aim of preventing disorder and ensuring we had a highly visible presence in the busy city centre."

"The vast majority of young people we spoke to were in good spirits, but the fact that we have seized a dangerous weapon demonstrates why we use these powers," he added.

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