POLICE in West Yorkshire recorded more than 1,400 crimes which involved the use of a "sharp implement" in a six-month period.

The figures, which cover April 1 to October 31 this year, were released through a Freedom of Information request and totalled 1,406.

Offences include homicide; attempted murder; threats to kill; assault with intent to cause serious harm; endangering life; assault with injury; racially or religiously aggravated assault with injury; assault with injury on a constable; rape, sexual assault on a male aged 13 and over; sexual assault on a male child under 13; sexual assault on a female aged 13 and over; sexual assault on a female child under 13; robbery of business property and robbery of personal property.

West Yorkshire Police highlighted Operation Jemlock, its "dedicated initiative" to tackle knife crime and serious violence.

The force said it has achieved significant reductions in this type of crime, but added: "The officers and staff who work on the operation continue to work hard to reduce violence and weapons carrying as it still happens too frequently.

"It is important to note that these figures do not solely refer to knives. They also cover articles with a blade or point.

"This can include a piece of broken glass or bottle and also includes offences where threats are made to use a knife, but no knife is actually seen.

"West Yorkshire Police takes a victim led approach to crime recording and we have made some good improvements as to how crime is recorded which is reflected in the consistent numbers across the four-year period.

"The force has also recently supported a national campaign around knife crime, which included enforcement activities such as weapon sweeps, test purchase operations and educational visits.

"West Yorkshire Police are committed to prosecuting anyone found to be possessing or using a knife or firearm.

"The work of our partners and community based projects is important, as is the vigilance of families who believe one of their relatives may carry weapons.

"Tackling it requires everyone to work together through a variety of approaches, from school inputs and awareness campaigns, to weapons surrenders which are always successful in taking weapons out of circulation, to actively targeting offenders."