A TOTAL of 25 weapons have been seized from children in Weston-super-Mare since 2010, police have revealed.

The most common weapon confiscated from under-18s is a sharp blade, dagger or knife, with six knives found on children in the past five years.

Other items found on minors include one metal bar, one hammer, one firearm, one air rifle and two baseball bats, according to data revealed by a Freedom of Information request.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said that although the numbers are fairly low in comparison with other areas of the UK, officers are working to eradicate the offence completely.

A spokesman told the Mercury: “Suffice to say, one incident involving a weapon seized from a child is one too many.

“We will always respond positively when dealing with reports of children with weapons as we are committed to keeping children, young people and the broader public safe and diverting them away from harm.

“When a weapon is seized we will, like all incidents, review the facts with appropriate action taken, concentrating on the protection of the child, which is paramount.

“This could include a number of outcomes including arrest or providing words of advice and not taking any further action. It will certainly involve discussion with the child’s parents or guardian.”

In 2014, a national investigation showed 981 weapons were discovered on children in a three-year period in the UK, based on information released from 32 police forces.

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “Our community response officers work closely with the police as do our CCTV operators and if they spot anyone with a weapon they would alert police.”