A FORMER Colchester General Hospital surgeon is sharing his experiences of dealing with stab wound victims in a bit to deter offenders.

Martin Griffiths is a consultant vascular, endovascular and trauma surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, In London, previously working in Essex at Colchester and Broomfield hospitals.

He campaigns passionately against knife crime, due to his experience of the "irrevocable damage" it causes.

“I’m passionate about helping young people understand how knife crime can ruin lives," he said.

"You have to show people what these weapons can do – the irrevocable damage.

“It is so important for us to work together and every member of our community has a part to play.

"I've spent my career operating on the victims of trauma and the story never changes.

"There are no heroes in a resuscitation bay.

"The victims are always in pain, scared, and alone.

"The surgery is bloody, brutal and short and finishes with either a critically unwell victim with life changing injuries, or a corpse.

"This madness has to stop."

He added: “It is important that forces across the country are actively targeting offenders and educating people about the risks and consequences.

"There is nothing glamorous about knife crime.

“If you have information about knife crime, tell the police.”

Offenders involved in knife crime will be the subject of targeted operations throughout this week, as officers from Essex Police take part in this summer’s nationwide Operation Sceptre.

Between Monday, July 17 and Saturday, July 22, activity will target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives.

Teams will be executing warrants, carrying out roadside checks and high-visibility patrols.

Where appropriate, they will be using intelligence-led stop and search powers.

Officers will also be working with Trading Standards teams to raise awareness among shop owners about the importance of challenging underage customers.