POLICE in Dudley have moved to reassure residents they will "ruthlessly pursue" those intent on committing crimes in the borough, following a string of knife attacks in recent days.

West Midlands Police say officers will be patrolling key areas to provide a visible police presence and are working to deter young people from violence and to tackle the causes of knife crime.

Recent knife attacks, all unrelated, have taken place in Gornal, Halesowen and Quarry Bank.

Earlier this week, man was left needing hospital treatment after he was dragged from his car and stabbed multiple times on a residential street in Quarry Bank on June 22. The passenger in the car was also injured in the disorder, which saw a group of men approach the pair as they sat in the car on School Road.

Last weekend, two people were injured after a double stabbing on Jews Lane in Upper Gornal. The suspect was later arrested in Great Barr and police have confirmed a 39-year-old man was later detained under the Mental Health Act.

Meanwhile, in Halesowen a teenager was chased and attacked with a machete in Victoria Street in Halesowen on June 23. A 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the attack but has since been released on bail.

Superintendent Jason Anderson from Dudley police, said: “We are investigating a number of unrelated knife attacks in Dudley and are working with our partners to protect young people and vulnerable adults involved in these incidents. A number of suspects have been arrested and these investigations continue.

“We are patrolling around our key areas so there is a visible police presence to deter and disrupt violence. We also have strong links with wider partners in Education, PHE, Childrens Services and Youth offending who work with us to educate and divert young people away from violence. We are also working with the Violence Reduction Unit to tackle the problems associated with knife crime and the causes of violence.

“In Dudley, we have seen a spate of cannabis farms and other drug related issues which can often be a flashpoint for violence and we are working hard to tackle and disrupt organised criminals who use these commodities to pray on other vulnerable people, some of whom are exploited via human trafficking.

“Dudley Borough is still the safest borough in the West Midlands and we will continue to ruthlessly pursue those intent on committing crime and violence; to keep the communities of Dudley safe.

“As always, we would encourage anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour or has any concerns about their area, to contact their local team or Crimestoppers anonymously.”