A campaign has been launched asking Essex youngsters to text police if they know someone who carries a knife.

Essex Police are supporting the Crimestoppers’ Know Someone With a Knife text campaign.

A new text number has been set up by Crimestoppers, which allows people to text anonymously if they know someone who carries a knife.

The text number – 88551 – is only for information on knife-carrying. It is not an alternative to the Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number.

Tim Scotchmer, chairman of the Essex branch of Crimestoppers, said: “Crimestoppers has been running the scheme in London since the summer and has so far received more than 40 pieces of actionable information.”

Inspector Kevin Whipps, of Essex Police, said: “Essex is one of the safest counties in the country and does not experience the knife crime problems seen in other areas.

“However, one victim is one too many.”

A MOTHER devastated after her son was stabbed to death has said “carrying knives is not big and not clever.”

Joan Westmore’s son, Piers, was murdered on his way home from a party in Witham in December 2003 Mrs Westmore backed the new Know Someone With a Knife campaign but says more needs to be done.

Piers Westmore, 31, formerly of Osbert Road, Witham, was knifed in the back by Dean Martin on December 13, 2003. Martin was later sentenced to life in prison.