The justice system dealt with 13,555 offences of possession of blade or point last year (Image: Getty Images)
Last year, there were more than 21,000 convictions for possessing or making threats with bladed or other offensive weapons - the highest level in a decade. But only in around 8,000 cases - or 37 percent - were offenders locked up. The statistics came after a spate of fatal stabbings of teenagers including 17-year-olds Jodie Chesney, Ayub Hassan and Yousef Makki. One in five culprits is aged between just 10 and 17.
Diana Fawcett, chief officer at charity Victim Support, described the Ministry of Justice figures as "horrifying".
"Families and communities are being devastated by knife crime and it is the responsibility of all agencies to come together to solve this."
Police Federation chairman John Apter said the statistics were "indicative of the hard work and dedication shown by police officers in tackling this issue and bringing those who do choose to carry weapons to justice despite there being almost 22,000 fewer of them than there were in 2010.
"And they send a strong message that those found in possession of knives will be dealt with seriously and robustly."
22,000 fewer police officers than in 2010
Mr Apter welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammond's announcement this week of £100million extra to fight knife crime.
He added: "I made it clear to the Home Secretary when I met him
