The ban on so-called ‘zombie knives’ will come into force later this week.

People caught selling, making, or lending the serrated edge blades can face up to four years in prison once legislation comes into force on Thursday, August 18.

The knives, inspired by ones seen in slasher and horror flicks, can have cutting blades up to 25 inches and sometimes include images or words that glamorise violence.

Alf Hitchcock, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife enabled crime, said: “Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons. Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons.

“There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe.”

This year 13 police forces across the country took coordinated action against knife crime that saw 401 arrests, 2,111 weapons taken off the street, weapons sweeps and test purchasing from identified retailers.

Surrender bins were also used during the operation.

Sarah Newton, Minister for vulnerability, safeguarding and countering extremism, said: “This government will act wherever necessary to cut crime and keep our communities safe. Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage - they have no place whatsoever in our society.

“We committed to banning the sale, manufacture and importation of these dangerous weapons. With the ban now becoming law, we are delivering on our commitment. Anyone caught making or selling zombie knives now faces up to 4 years in prison.”

The new law will come into force across England and Wales and Claire Sugden, Northern Ireland’s Executive Minister of Justice, has said she will look to introduce similar legislation to ban the weapons in the country.