POLICE stumbled across a cache of weapons during an operation in Southampton.

A Taser stun gun and a collection of large knives were found by officers investigating drug crime in the city

Now Hampshire Police have vowed to that patrols will be stepped up in the St Mary’s area following the discovery.

The Taser gun - a device which delivers a high-voltage electric shock to debilitate the victim - the four large knives, and cartridges were seized from the top of the guttering in the bin areas between Winton Street and Johnson Street in St Mary’s.

Police say they believe the weapons “strategically placed” by someone for easy access.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “Whilst an officer was standing quietly in the dark at one of the bin sheds, he heard the vibration noise from a mobile phone. As we were all searching for this concealed mobile phone, this is what we found in the gutter. Those knives and Taser gun were strategically placed by someone for easy access.

“A search of the area was then completed but nothing further has been found. Once again, thank you for your intelligence. Every knife we take off the street is a life saved!”

Police also confirmed that they will be conducting hi-vis patrols in the area and there will be an increased police presence in the coming weeks.

The weapons were found during an operation on December 29.

Dave Shields, Southampton council cabinet member for healthier and safer city, said: “This is an issue that we take very very seriously and we are taking steps to try and reduce and tackle the problem of violent crime, particularly knife crime.

“While we may not have the same scale of problem as London or Manchester for example, Southampton experience some of the worst violent crime in Hampshire, and this is something we are going to be very attentive of as we go into the New Year. Of course it’s worrying that the knives were there, but it’s good the police are doing something about it.”