New minimum prison sentences are being introduced for those found carrying a knife.

A new 'two strikes' system will come into force on July 17, Justice Minister Mike Penning announced.

Under new rues, any adult convicted of being in possession of a blade more than once will face a minimum of six months behind bars, and a maximum of four years.

Youths aged 16 and 17 will receive a minimum four month detention sentence and training order.

MORE TOP STORIES Commissioner of the Met, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "Knives kill. People carrying knives are a threat to all of us - my officers see that at first hand. A simple guarantee that you will get locked up worked for guns and I believe it will work for knives.

“I am proud that over the past three years we have seen a significant drop in knife crime. However, in recent months we have, in London, begun to see more young people being injured by knives. Anything that helps us all fight this is a good thing.”

Last year 1,300 people received a non-custodial sentence or caution for a repeated posession of a knife ofence.

Under the new rules they would have all faced time behind bars. 

Currently the maximum prison time for anyone found carrying a knife or weapon is four years.