POLICE have seized a large lock knife from a man who claimed it was for "self-defence".
An officer was on patrol in Shipley town centre yesterday when his attention was drawn to a man acting suspiciously on Central Avenue.
He was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of a large lock knife.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "The 48-year-old suspect will be reported to the courts for possession of a bladed article.
"The knife, which was apparently for 'self-defence', was seized for destruction."
The spokesperson added: "To be clear, possession of any offensive weapon in a public place is a criminal offence.
"There is no defence in law of routinely carrying a weapon for your own protection.
"West Yorkshire Police take knife crime extremely seriously.
"If you are found carrying a knife then you, too, can expect to find yourself before the criminal courts."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article