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All knives sold in the United Kingdom should have a GPS tracker attached to them, according to a Conservative MP.

Scott Mann, who represents North Cornwall, called for the move on Thursday as a potential means to reduce knife crime.

Writing on Twitter, Mr Mann said: "Every knife sold in the UK should have a gps tracker fitted in the handle. It’s time we had a national database like we do with guns.

"If you’re carrying it around you had better have a bloody good explanation, obvious exemptions for fishing etc."

The MP's suggestion was largely met with disdain by those who read it, with many highlighting simply how many knives it would mean fitting such devices to.

Some shared GIFs and photographs of comedy character Alan Partridge, likening Mr Mann's comments to one of his suggestions.

One person shared an image of their kitchen drawer and said it alone would require 27 GPS devices inside it for all the knives to be tracked.

Another said: "I don't think the main problem with stabbings is not knowing where the knife is."

The Standard contacted Mr Mann's office and a representative said the MP had no further comment at present.

Mr Mann's comment comes after new Ministry of Justice figures showed 21,484 people were prosecuted or cautioned for knife offences in England and Wales in 2018.

The figure is the highest since 2009, when it stood at more than 25,000.

Police and ministers are attempting to stem the current knife crime "epidemic" following a spate of fatal stabbings.

Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a £100 million cash injection for forces to tackle the problem on Wednesday, while Home Secretary Sajid Javid also unveiled plans for new knife crime prevention orders.

These powers could impose curfews or restrictions on social media use on anyone aged 12 or over who police suspect of carrying a blade.