A 'KNIFE arch' has been temporarily installed at a south Wiltshire school as part of a nationwide weapons clampdown.

Fitted in the atrium of The Wellington Academy, Ludgershall, as part of Operation Sceptre, the temporary arches are use as big metal detectors.

It came as part of a visit from local policing teams to raise awareness about knife crime.

Officers also say that they also act as a quick alternative to stop and search and have resulted in both weapons and drugs being seized as part of arrests

A spokesperson for the school said: "The Wellington Academy is proud to work closely with Wiltshire Police on a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring our students are living in a healthy, safe environment both in and outside of school.

"On September 18, Wiltshire Police installed a knife arch in the atrium.

"The students were then able to discuss knife crime and the affect it can have on victims, their families and the perpetrator themselves.

"The students were all very engaged and interested in the knife arch and had some informative conversations with the police.

"We look forward to working with the Police, the local community and our students on future initiatives."