The laws and powers police are using to tackle knife crime epidemic

This year has already seen at least 35 people killed as a result of knife crime, including two stabbed to death in the space of 24 hours over the weekend.

Prime Minister Theresa May has promised a cross-government response to knife crime, saying she would address the issues which led "so many young people" to carry blades.

She has also rejected claims that police cuts have contributed to the rise in violence.

But what powers do police currently have to tackle the issue and what are the penalties for using knives?

:: Section 60 stop and search powers

Under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police can search members of the public without evidence within a set area and time period.

Stop and search powers can only be authorised by a senior officer and they must have "reasonable grounds" to do so.

For example, they must have reason to believe that a violent offence is about to be committed; a person is carrying a dangerous object offensive weapon, or that a violent incident has or will take place in the area.

Following the fatal stabbings of three teenagers in Birmingham, a stop-and-search warrant was carried out across the city on Wednesday.

It was the first time the powers had been put in place for Birmingham.

Official figures from the London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime also revealed the Metropolitan Police increased their use of stop and search powers last year.

:: What other powers do police have?

Existing preventative measures used by the police include gang injunctions and criminal behaviour orders.

Under the Policing and Crime Act 2009, gang injunctions allow police and local authorities to apply to a court for an injunction against those involved in gang-related violence.

The injunction can be applied to 14 to 17-year-olds and can set a range of prohibitions and requirements on the person.

They may be expected to undertake rehabilitation or be prevented from visiting certain places.

Similar restrictions can be placed as criminal behaviour orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

These orders can be placed on an individual who has already been convicted.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid recently proposed a new set of knife crime prevention orders, which he believes will fill a gap not covered under the current powers.

He said his ASBO-style orders would "paper over some of the very difficult cracks" that officers are dealing with, placing restrictions on suspected gang members and knife carriers.

The orders will see restrictions on use of social media, the introduction of curfews and a limit on places suspects can visit.

Breaching the orders, which last a maximum of two years, will be a criminal offence.

:: What are the laws around knife crime?

Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 states that it is an offence to carry a knife in a public place without good reason.

It is also an offence for a weapon to be carried on school premises.

Section 141A of the 1988 Act makes it an offence for knives to be sold to anyone under the age of 18 - although 16 to 18-year-olds can buy cutlery and kitchen knives in Scotland.

Certain types of knives are illegal for even adults to buy, including butterfly, disguised knives and flick knives.

Police can also charge suspects with aggravated possession, which involves carrying a knife in public and using it to make threats, under the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

:: What are the penalties for using knives?

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Criminals will also face a prison sentence of at least six months if convicted of carrying a knife more than once.

Those selling knives to under-18s can be given a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a fine - or both.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service legal guidance, offenders who kill using a knife face a minimum term of 25 years in prison.

You can also be sent to prison for murder as part of a "joint enterprise" if someone is killed by a knife in your presence - even if you have not used the weapon yourself.