New Point knives were designed to prevent crime and are also generally safer: ‘It’s not going to fall off a surface and stab you in the foot,’ says Crichton

The new chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland is calling for a ban on the sale of pointed kitchen knives to reduce the number of fatal stabbings.

Dr John Crichton first suggested the move three years ago but the idea failed to gain traction with ministers and policy-makers.

In that time, dozens of people, including schoolchildren, have tragically lost their lives after a knife attack.

Crichton said research shows that many attacks, especially in high-risk households where there has been a history of violence, involve kitchen knives because they are ubiquitous.

“Why do we need these potentially deadly weapons at home?” asked Crichton.

He believes that a change in the law is ultimately needed but that grass roots support for the move,