FOUR large knives and a pair of scissors were discovered near a children’s play park by a dog walker.

The dog walker found the kitchen knives and the pair of scissors close to a recreation ground off Alexandra Road, Harwich, at about 5.40pm on Wednesday.

Ivan Henderson, Essex county councillor for Harwich, said he was shocked to hear about the discovery.

He added: “To even think people are disposing knives around play areas is very distressing and worrying.

“Who would want to put children in such a danger?

“It is just mindless.

“Children could fall into it or find them.

“It is ridiculous.

“Anyone who is caught with a knife should be brought to justice because there is no excuse for carrying a knife with you - none.

“I can’t believe anyone would be so stupid to do such a thing.”

He encouraged calling Crimestoppers anonymously if anyone has seen anything suspicious around the park.

Mr Henderson also said the police and councillors should bring back amnesty bins and place them around the town.

An amnesty bin was put outside the Park Pavilion, in Barrack Lane, Harwich, for all types of knives at the beginning of last year.

However, Only Cowards Carry, the charity which had been providing the service, closed near the end of 2019.

Essex Police spokesman said: “We would like to thank the woman for quickly calling us and for handing them in at the Harwich Police Station.

“However, the incident will not be investigated because a member of the public brought them in, so they are going to be disposed of or put into an amnesty bin.”

Essex Police - Tendring’s Facebook page, which is updated by an off-duty officer, said a police constable made further checks around the park and “further sweeps of the area will be undertaken”.

If you saw anything, call Essex Police on 101.