POLICE officers in Hereford say four primary school children have found a huge knife hidden in a park.

West Mercia Police said it wanted to give a "humongous thank you" to the four children, all younger than 12, for telling officers about the knife.

South Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team said the small act by the group would "keep our streets that bit safer".

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Police described the knife as "large" and "hidden in a hedge in a local play park".

"They knew coming to the police was the right thing to do and they should be super proud of themselves for having the courage to knock on our door," the officers said.

They did not say which park the knife was found in.

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The Sentencing Council website said anyone found to be in possession of a bladed article or offensive weapon could face four years in prison.

An offensive weapon is defined in legislation as "any article made or adapted for use for causing injury, or is intended by the person having it with him for such use".

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A highly dangerous weapon, which should lead to a more serious sentence, is, the website said, a weapon, including a corrosive substance (such as acid), whose dangerous nature must be substantially above and beyond this. 

Anyone committed of possessing an offensive weapon could also be fined up to 700 per cent of their weekly income.