Consultant vascular, endovascular and trauma surgeon Martin Griffiths is working with the Essex Police as they launch operation Sceptre in a bid to tackle knife crime across the county.

Martin is a consultant vascular, endovascular and trauma surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, London and worked previously in Essex at both Broomfield and Colchester Hospitals.

Hesaid: “I’m passionate about helping young people understand how knife crime can ruin lives.

“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 resus 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.

“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.”

As part of a weeklong crack down, officers will be carrying out roadside checks and high-visibility patrols in attempt to stop the supply, access and importation of weapons.

Anyone caught carrying a weapon will be executed a warrant.