FOR a security guard attacked with knives three times in a decade, the high-profile police clampdown on blades is a welcome development.

Dozens of officers descended on the streets of East Oxford, Blackbird Leys and the city centre on Saturday evening as part of Operation Blade.

During the initiative they met Paul Hanson, inset right, who was manning the door of the Deltey convenience store in Blackbird Leys at about 8.30pm.

The 48-year-old, from Bicester, has been attacked with knives three times in the last 10 years while working outside pubs and clubs.

He said of the police initiative: “It is a good idea. It has really become a problem in the last few years with kids from 14 upwards.

“The kids need to have their eyes opened to it, they need to see the aftermath of someone who has been stabbed.”

Saturday’s operation was the first deployment of its kind in the city and featured sniffer dogs, mounted police and plain-clothes spotters.

Six people were arrested for drugs offences but no knives were discovered.

A 17-year-old outside the top shops in Blackbird Leys, who did not wish to be named, said people his age should not have to fear being stabbed, but suggested the high- profile operation might make teenagers more likely to carry blades in defiance.

In Cowley Road, knife-crime victim Richard Vanderstelt spoke to officers about what was going on.

The 39-year-old, from Bullingdon Road, was mugged at knifepoint near Tesco in Cowley Road.

He said: “It is a good opportunity to raise awareness with member of the public.

“Not that long ago I was mugged. They had a knife and punched me in the face.

“There were quite a few of them, seven or eight aged between 16 and 20. I reported it to police, but I was not too happy when they said nothing could be done because the descriptions were too vague.”

Outside the East Oxford Health Centre in Manzil Way, Tony Dalton witnessed the police operation. The 49-year-old, from Cowley, said he welcomed more stopping and searching of young people, but only when it was based on intelligence.

He said: “When we were younger, stop and search created animosity but this is totally different. Knives are killing people left, right and centre. Police know the trouble makers and the schools certainly do, but I don’t think they’ll catch anyone by being so visible tonight. With mobile phones word gets out.”