Knife crime has been soaring in London, with more than 40 fatal stabbings this year already.

Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick has described the recent spate of attacks as a "horrible phenomenon".

The epidemic has touched all parts of the capital, including our boroughs here in SE London, but at least thanks to the good work of police the number of tragic incidents we've reported on hasn't been higher.

Officers have seized an array of horrific weapons, taking them off the streets and preventing them from being used in crimes.

Our gallery above features 19 shocking images of potentially deadly knives confiscated in Lewisham alone over the past six months.

A spokeswoman from Lewisham police said: "It is a vast minority of people that feel the need to carry them but our officers are motivated and professional in finding those that do feel the need to arm themselves."