Parents are being warned about the disturbing service
Deadly “zombie knives” are being sold to children as young as 13 through social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat, an investigation has found.
The weapons are reportedly available to purchase online, with some sellers offering a “courier service” style door-to-door delivery that makes the process quick and easy.
The knives, typically seen in zombie movies, are particularly dangerous, with serrated edges.
A Mirror reporter posed as a 17-year-old and was offered the opportunity to purchase four 40-inch “zombie knives” for £55.
The seller allegedly bragged about the knives’ ability to “cut like butter” and cause “serious damage”. The seller also claimed that the knives were “more lethal” than other knives.
When questioned about the danger of the weapons, the seller reportedly said: “Of course I don’t want people to die. It’s just a good way to make money.”
He then sent the reporter a video of the knives for sale and recommended one that was “more lethal”. The seller then demanded payment through a cash app.
The journalist set up delivery to a London address via Snapchat after she saw the seller’s “advert” video on TikTok – which has 3.7million UK users as young as 13.
Machetes and so-called zombie knives “with no practical use” could be banned in England and Wales under proposals to close legal loopholes and tackle violence.
Certain knives which are designed to look menacing would be outlawed under the plans, the Home Office announced.
A public consultation will also look at increasing maximum penalties for possession and sale of these weapons.
According to The Mirror, Snapchat has disabled the seller’s account. A spokesperson for the tech firm said: “The sale of weapons is prohibited.”
TikTok said: “We do not allow the depiction, promotion, or trade of weapons. Any content violating our guidelines will be removed.”
