A POLICE chief is appealing for help from the public to tackle an alarming rise in knife crime in Runcorn.

Chief inspector Sarah Heath has spoken out about the urgent need to work together as a community to combat the problem.

As head of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, she said there will be a high visibility of police and more stop and search in the town.

She said: "This is a worrying trend we are tackling head on before it becomes part of a larger problem.

"I make no apologies for the increase in policing.

"We don't want to see the horrendous headlines we see in other places.

"The last thing me and my team want to do is knock on your door and tell you your loved one has been harmed or someone is in police custody because someone has causes someone harm."

Officers are working together in partnership with partners, she said, to address the increasing use of knives.

"Our most important partner is the public," added Chief inspector Heath.

"We need the public to come on board to make sure this culture of carrying knives stops.

"Together we will make Runcorn a safer place and stop this acceptance of carrying knives."

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.