Goldsmith's campaign to tackle London knife crime makes leap forward as Amazon removes 'Zombie Killer' knife

Conservative London mayoral candidate took action after it was found the knife could be purchased online in minutes with no checks

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10:27, 15 MAR 2016
Updated10:55, 15 MAR 2016

Zombie killer knives sales have been removed from Amazon UK following Goldsmith's campaign

Zac Goldsmith's campaign for tougher checks on the online sales of dangerous knives has prompted online shopping giant Amazon to remove "Zombie Killer" knives for sale in the UK.

The London mayoral candidate made it a priority concern after an investigation found it was possible to purchase a "Zombie Killer" knife with no checks in a matter of minutes online.

Zombie knives are described by the police as "one foot long, with multiple sharp edges, designed to maximise damage if not death".

After meeting with Mr Goldsmith go discuss the issue, Home Secretary Theresa May wrote in a letter to confirm she will meet with major online and high street retailers to agree on better age verification checks and safety measures during knife sales.

The Home Secretary also said she has met with the Metropolitan Police and National Police Chief's Council to discuss illegal sales in the city.

Commenting on the steps being taken, Zac Goldsmith said: "I’m delighted that following my campaign the Home Secretary has agreed to take action on the sale of dangerous knives and Amazon have now removed Zombie Killer knives from their website.

“Making our streets safer for all Londoners is a key plank of my action plan and taking as many knives off the streets is an essential part of this.

“I am the only candidate that is working with the government to deliver real action for London on crime, transport and housing.”

The danger of knives bought on 'the dark web'

In a previous interview, Commander Dean Haydon, head of Scotland Yard’s homicide and major crime command, drew a link between increased knife crime and the availability of ‘Zombie Killer’ and other knives online.

He told The Guardian: “There’s been a growth in knives bought off the internet, from the dark web, over the last few years”.

Theresa May said: “I am pleased that Zac is standing up for Londoners and campaigning to keep them safe from knife crime.

“Since 2010, violent crime has fallen considerably but it is still too high."

The Home Secretary added: “I am keen to work constructively with retailers to prevent the underage sales of knives, alongside wider action that the government is taking to tackle violent crime.”

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