West Midlands Police will be taking part in a new trial which aims to cut knife crime and tackle serious violence. The force is taking part in a trial of Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs) which make it easier for officers to search high-risk offenders for weapons.

West Midlands Police is one of the four police forces taking part in the trial which begins tomorrow, Wednesday April 19, and also includes Sussex Police, Merseyside Police and Thames Valley Police.

The scheme works by allowing a court to issue the order which allows police to stop and search anyone over 18 who has a previous conviction for carrying a knife. Anyone caught the order could receive up to two years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

READ MORE:HS2 work to close M42 overnight near Coventry

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the order was an "additional instrument" for the police.

"Additional powers such as allowing police to stop and search prolific, high-risk offenders subject to a SVRO, could help our communities to be safer places for everyone," she said. "I will be monitoring the effectiveness of this pilot and receiving regular progress updates from the chief constable."

Sussex Police Ch Insp Simon Yates said: "Being selected to be one of four forces to pioneer this new scheme is testament to the successful work already being done in Sussex to combat knife crime and serious violence."

READ NEXT: