A ban on so-called ‘zombie knives’ will come into effect in England and Wales later this week.

The elaborate weapons are often sold as collectors’ items or decorative ornaments but are becoming more frequently carried by criminals, according to police.

The new legislation, due to come into force on Thursday, will ban the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives.

Anyone caught breaking the law could face a four-year prison sentence.

Last year teenager Stefan Appleton was stabbed and killed with one of the weapons in Islington.

Safeguarding minister Sarah Newton said the ban would “cut crime and keep our communities safe”.

“Zombie killer knives glamourise violence and cause devastating damage – they have no place whatsoever in our society,” she added.

Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: "Zombie knives are absolutely horrific weapons.

"Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons. There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe."