MORE than a dozen weapons have been seized from schools across Dorset in the last two years.

A total of 16 weapons were confiscated from school premises across the county from March 2015 and March 2017 - the majority of which were knives or blades.

The figures, which were obtained from a freedom of information request by the Press Association, also revealed that one of the items confiscated was a blunt instrument.

Analysis of data from 32 police forces, including Dorset Police, showed there were 2,579 weapons found from the 2015/16 financial year to this year - with samurai swords, axes and air guns among those confiscated.

The majority of cases involved children, including some as young as five, and at least one in five incidents involved knives.

Nationally police chiefs said there had been a "worrying" increase in young people carrying knives. They said police work with schools to help educate youngsters on why carrying any illegal weapon is wrong.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “The number of weapons seized in Dorset’s schools is very low with three being seized in 2012/13 and eight in 2015/16 and 2016/17.

“The Safer Schools and Communities Team are working with tactical firearms officers to deliver education to young people on handling weapons and the dangers surrounding them.

“The SSCT visit school children of a variety of ages, starting with pupils who are in year three. From April 2016 until March 2017 a total of 1,837 children were given an education input by the team.”

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Schools work closely with the police to protect and educate their pupils, and in some cases police officers are stationed in schools.

"Where appropriate, schools conduct searches and use metal detectors, and they implement robust disciplinary procedures against anyone found in possession of a weapon.

"Young people are taught about the dangers of offensive weapons both in lessons and in talks delivered by invited speakers."

According to the data some of the more unusual contraband included a police baton, a rolling pin, a can of beer and a 15in metal rod.