IT is now illegal to have weapons such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives in your home after an important Act update came into play today.

Changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 mean that from today (July 14) it is now an offence to possess certain items even in private.

This includes: knuckledusters, telescopic truncheons, flick knives, zombie knives, push daggers, throwing stars and gravity knives.

Other sections of the act that will commence today include an updated definition of flick knives, to reflect changes in weapon designs.

The rest of the act will commence later in the year, and will bring in new provisions for the control of goods sold online, as well as placing responsibility onto delivery companies to conduct age verification at delivery stage.

When you buy a blade item online - such as a kitchen knife - you will need to do more than just tick a box on the retailer's website to prove your age.

The package cannot be delivered to a locker, or left on a doorstep if the person is out - it must be handed to a person who is 18 or over. 

The package will be clearly marked to show it contains a bladed item and that age verification on the doorstep is required.

You may be required to provide a picture ID to prove you are 18 or over, even if you look above that age.

If the courier is not satisfied that the person they are handing the item to is 18 or over, then they will refuse to deliver it.

The same rules apply for collecting the package.

These are important developments that will help us to address the growing issue of online sale of knives.

Police and partners will be working to educate the public and the business community regarding these changes in legislation.

The introduction of such measures will provide police forces with further means to help deter young people from becoming involved in knife possession and knife crime.

National Police Chiefs' Council lead on knife crime, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said: “The harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating and that is why focusing on this issue remains a top priority for policing.

“We welcome the changes to legislation being introduced by the Offensive Weapons Act.

"These measures will help officers to seize more dangerous weapons, deal with those intent on using them to cause harm and suffering, and crucially, make it more difficult for young people to get hold of knives and other dangerous items in the first place.

“Knife crime is not something that can be solved by policing alone.

"We are working with businesses, schools, charities and community schemes to educate young people and explain why carrying a knife is never the right choice.

"This early intervention plays a vitally important role in stopping young people from turning to a life of crime.”