VIDEO: Six arrests as Rotherham police urge: 'Talk to your kids about knives'

More than 30 stop and searches have also taken place and a knife surrender bin placed at Main Street station.

Detective Inspector Nikki Leach, from Rotherham CID, urged parents to support the efforts by talking to their children about the dangers of carrying a knife.

She said: “We are increasing our proactive action this week as we remain absolutely committed to tackling knife crime in South Yorkshire. 

“However, we really need the support of the public to help us make long-term, sustainable changes.

“For parents, it’s so important to have the conversation with your children early on about the effects of carrying a knife. 

“We need to understand how young people perceive carrying a weapon, to then have frank and honest conversations about the reality and the life-altering impacts one small decision can have.”

Six test purchases were carried out across Rawmarsh, Swinton and Wath, as part of Operation Sceptre — with one unnamed shop found to sell a knife to a minor.

Det Insp Leach said: “The results were reassuring, but our work isn’t finished until 100 per cent of shops pass. 

“We need to make sure that every shop owner and their staff understand the consequences of selling a knife to a child under 18. It is illegal and you can be prosecuted.

“Police are carrying out additional patrols, more stop and searches and we are targeting hot spot areas, but that isn’t enough. 

“We need to identify the root causes of why people carry knives and address these to make real changes.”