A KNIFE sweep to uncover hidden weapons was carried out in Victoria Park in Widnes following the death of teenager Eddie O’Rourke.

The 18-year-old, from Runcorn, was fatally stabbed outside the Royal British Legion on Castle Road in Halton Village on September 7.

Cheshire Constabulary teamed up with campaign group Live Your Life, Drop The Knife which was set up shortly after his death.

Councillors, members of Halton Housing and the public also united for the search.

The initiative is part of a Cheshire-wide campaign to tackle knife crime, Operation Abolish.

Sgt Neil Edgar said: “This latest event, which took place on November 30, was to promote the initiative which aims to help reduce knife crime in Widnes.

"We chose Victoria Park for our first sweep, not because we had intelligence, but to make an impact and show the community that we are committed to reducing the number of people who think it’s ok to carry knives in our town.”

No weapons were discovered during the knife sweep.

Louis Bamber set up the campaign group Live Your Life, Drop The Knife following the 18-year-old's death.

He said: “We can’t let any more people die from knife crime on our streets.

"By supporting the knife sweeps I hope people will understand that this type of crime will not be tolerated in Halton.

"I would also encourage residents to get behind the campaign and show their support.”

Posters and window stickers have been distributed to shops and business in the town.