The 'Zombie-killer' knife that can be bought by a child online: Ministers call for ban on the huge blades and machetes after gangs exploit legal loophole to get their hands on weapon

  • Police are trying to close loopholes surrounding dangerous 'Zombie knives' 

By John James For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Chilling photos show the huge Zombie knives and machetes that can easily be bought online with no checks as ministers consider a change to weapon legislation to stop gangs exploiting legal loopholes. 

Policing minister Chris Philp is set to rewrite laws to make it an offence to sell the huge blades online or in high street shops and to possess them in the home, the Telegraph reports.

Currently police can only confiscate and prosecute possession of zombie knives if the blades have a cutting or serrated edge or contain 'images or words' that suggest a violent purpose.   

The loophole has been blamed on a increase in robberies and street violence where gangs have attacked one another and intimidated members of the public with the unregulated sword-like weapons.

Loopholes surrounding 'Zombie-killer knives like this one are set to be closed to ban them in the UK

Loopholes surrounding 'Zombie-killer knives like this one are set to be closed to ban them in the UK

It's also thought machete's will be banned under new proposals

It's also thought machete's will be banned under new proposals 

The chilling consequences of the unchecked proliferation of these weapons is well documented with the 2016 death of teenager Stefan Appleton, 17,  a tragic example. 

The teenager was fatally stabbed with the 25 inch serrated 'Zombie Killer' machete in a park in north London with his attacker claiming to have found the knife in the bushes. 

Changes to legislation have received widespread support from across the Commons, and a petition started by Conservative councillor Andrew Dinsmore has already attracted 136,000 signatures. 

Machetes have become a common tool used on the streets in recent years (Pictured: Men wearing balaclavas attack each other with 3 foot machetes in Leeds earlier this month)

Machetes have become a common tool used on the streets in recent years (Pictured: Men wearing balaclavas attack each other with 3 foot machetes in Leeds earlier this month)

In his petition Mr Dinsmore described his own terrifying interaction with a machete wielding thug. 

Can you carry a knife in the UK?

Current UK regulation means only knives with a cutting edge shorter than 3 inches can be carried legally. 

There are also exemptions on the carrying of knives for work, religious reasons or as part of any national costume. 

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once. 

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He said: 'I was the victim of a machete attack in South West London six weeks ago. I was confronted with a frightening 18-inch blade.

'I am calling for the ban of selling machetes in online stores.

'Machetes are the common theme. They are everywhere. 

'You can buy them online, with the retailers trying to sell you a balaclava at the same time. This has to stop. 

'There is no legitimate use for these weapons. 

'We banned flip blades, we banned samurai swords - now we need to ban machetes.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Too many young lives have been lost through serious violence and we have robust measures on the sale of offensive weapons online. 

'We have already banned the sale and possession of a wide range of offensive weapons.

'We continue to keep knife legislation under review and are working closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council to look at what more can we do to tackle knife crime, including the use of machetes in crimes.'

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