This frightening looking machete is one of the first knives police have recovered in 2019 as they continue their offensive against knife crime.

Officers attended a block of flats in Lower North Street, Walsall, just before 5am following a 999 call reporting a woman with a baby who’d been attacked by a man wielding a machete. She was quickly safeguarded while officers, plus a West Midlands Police dog, searched the building.

It wasn’t long before the suspect was found lying low in a neighbouring flat – and further searches of the communal bin area outside the block uncovered this serrated edged sword.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and possessing an offensive weapon and remains in police custody. The woman was not seriously hurt but was badly shaken up and distressed by the incident.

If you suspect anyone of carrying a knife in public then please call us in confidence on 101 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers. You won’t be asked for your name and calls can’t be traced.