THE government has introduced a new ban on zombie-style knives and machetes.

       But what exactly are these deadly weapons? And why the sudden crackdown on owning them?

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       Fearsome zombie knives are set to be banned after a victory for The Sun on Sunday Credit: PA:Press Association What are zombie knives?

       A zombie knife is a type of bladed weapon inspired by zombie films.

       Ministers have promised to crack down on the knives, whose blades can be up to two feet long.

       The weapons often have serrated edges and words etched on to them, helping to glamorise violence.

       Zombie knives earned their nickname as they mimic weapons frequently seen in horror films, particularly "zombie apocalypse" movies.

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       They are regularly marketed as collector items.

       Coming in bright colours and emblazoned with words like "zombie killer" and "slayer" the large knives look far more intimidating than a normal knife.

       Several are even sold as "machetes" or "swords" rather than knives.

       It reads: "We have a great choice of zombie hardware including zombie knives and zombie machetes – so, if a zombie infestation in your back garden isn't your thing then our range of zombie swords and throwing knives should be enough to keep those flesh munching half dead at bay."

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       On June 1 ,2018, footage emerged of a cyclist using a zombie knife to try and smash the window of a car in an apparent road rage row

       The driver was forced to run for his life as the cyclist battered his car with the foot-long blade in the confrontation in Croydon, South London.

       Police seized a terrifying 30 inch "zombie sword" after stopping a car in South London.

       Are zombie knives banned in the UK?

       The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 made it illegal to bring into the UK, sell, hire, lend or give anyone a zombie knife.

       On August 29, 2023, the Home Office announced they are banning more of the weapons and introducing a new offence for those found in possession.

       The definition of a zombie knife would be expanded to include any bladed weapon more than eight inches long with a plain-cutting edge and sharp pointed end.

       The knife will have more than one hole in the blade or multiple sharp points.

       The maximum sentence for the importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of the weapons will be two years.

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       Policing minister Chris Philp said: “We must stop the thugs who carry dangerous weapons.

       “Zombie-style knives and machetes serve no other purpose but to inflate criminal egos and endanger lives. There is no reason to own these types of weapons.”