Police in Bury have made more arrests as part of an ongoing operation to tackle knife crime.

Greater Manchester Police provided an update about Operation Sceptre, a nationwide campaign which aims to target offenders and highlight the risks of carrying a knife.

Officers say four more arrests following proactive police intervention and found three knives and one hammer as well as confiscating illegal drugs.

Police have also swept 12 parks and open spaces in an effort to look for weapons.

READ MORE: Bolton man dies after taking controlled poison linked to 7 deaths

The operation, which was carried out throughout Greater Manchester, saw 284 total arrests made throughout May.

The national week of action took place between Monday, May 15 and Sunday May 21. The operation takes place twice a year.

Police also performed 202 knife sweeps, recovered 180 knives and performed 204 stop searches.

Officers also executed 27 warrants in the region. Operation Sceptre also aims to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of carrying a knife by holding educational workshops.

Throughout May police held 55 community meetings, 85 school engagement events and made 163 visits to retailers.

READ MORE: Whitefield park play area vandalised before opening

Earlier this month, Operation Sceptre ran in Radcliffe and Prestwich saw one car seized after its driver was alleged to have no insurance and no licence. The vehicle had no MOT and had a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification).

Knife sweeps also took place in St Mary’s Park, fields and the near-by tram stop and stop and searches were carried out in the area.

One young man was arrested for possession of a bladed article and possession of controlled drugs.