West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion, has provided West Mercia Police with £18,500 to complete more than 100 investigations to tackle serious violence.

The sum will be used as part of Operation Swordfish, which tackles serious violence activity including child sexual exploitation, organised crime, and youth knife crime.

As a result of the investment, 120 investigations and operations have been supported or generated; 106 intelligence reports have been generated; 31 children have been safeguarded; and experimental research has identified drug sales linked to organised crime groups and counterfeit money sales.

Mr Campion said: "As PCC, I am committed to stamping out serious violence at the root cause as these types of crimes have no place within our society.

"It is sadly the case that young people are becoming the victims of serious violence as they are exploited and extorted by criminals.

This is why it is vital that preventative activity is undertaken to ensure young people are protected and communities feel safer.

"I am encouraged by the results of Operation Swordfish, and I will continue to provide investment to West Mercia Police by providing the tools and resources they need to disrupt this violent activity."

More information about West Mercia Police is available at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/.