A BAN on the sale of “menacing” zombie knives has been welcomed by the police and crime commissioner for Gwent - with sellers now facing up to four years behind bars.

Ministers have launched a crackdown on the blades, which can be up to two foot-long with a serrated edge and carry images or words that glamorise violence.

Inspired by horror films and often advertised as collectors' items, they are available on the internet for as little as £10.

An amendment to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibiting the sale, manufacture, rental or importation of zombie knives will take effect on Thursday.

The police and crime commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said the weapons had no "practical use whatsoever" and had "no place in civilised society".

“I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that these absolutely horrendous and brutal weapons will be banned from our streets," he said.

"What’s appalling is the way in which these menacing and deadly weapons have been glamourised and marketed to appear to be no more than toys in their appearance.”

Echoing these sentiments, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said “measures against these zombie knives” were very important in tackling knife crime.

“We should not be glamorising violence,” he said. “Rather, we should be tackling the dangers of knife crime in our society to make our streets safer."

Safeguarding minister Sarah Newton said the government will “act wherever necessary” to cut crime and keep communities safe.

"Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage - they have no place whatsoever in our society,” she said.

Alf Hitchcock, lead on knife crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said zombie knives are “absolutely horrific weapons”.

"Forces are determined to reduce the harm caused by these and all other dangerous weapons,” he said.

“There is no place for knife crime within society and this ban is further commitment to keeping communities safe."

Morris Bright, of the local government association (LGA), believes zombie knives have “only one purpose – to threaten, injure or kill someone”.

“This ban, which the LGA has called for, will help reduce the number of lethal blades in society and stop online retailers unwittingly fuelling criminal activity which can lead to tragedy,” he said.

"An industry-backed code of practice on the naming, promotion and packaging of all knives also needs to be created - similar to that of the alcoholic drinks industry - which would promote their responsible sale."