Essex Police has drafted in some young cadets to help make sure retailers are ID'ing underage children attempting to purchase knives.

The operation took place during a week of anti-knife campaigning called Op Sceptre which is going on across the country this week.

While most stores passed the test, one unknown store in Basildon failed.

In a post shared on social media, the Basildon community policing team said: "Today we have been conducting test purchases at retailers throughout the Basildon district with the assistance of one of our police cadets as part of Op Sceptre.

"We want to ensure that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase any knives that can be simply picked up from a shelf.

"We are delighted to say that out of 11 stores, ten passed with our cadet walking away empty handed.

"Unfortunately, one store did sell a set of six knives to our cadet and have subsequently spoken to this store providing advice.

"We would like to remind our retailers to remain vigilant, not only during Op Sceptre, but at all times. If in doubt, always check photographic ID, or refuse the sale."