Firearms police came to Keighley this week to show youngsters the dangers of knives and guns.

Trained officers demonstrated the dangers of such weapons with the Think Life Not Knife campaign.

Children saw hard-hitting images of how Firearms Support Officers responded to armed incidents.

These ranged from armed robberies to reports of someone carrying a knife.

The presentation followed a long-running police operation in Keighley to tackle people involved in gangs and violence.

Monday’s presentation, at Victoria Hall, was part of the West Yorkshire-wide Think Life Not Knife campaign.

It was created by West Yorkshire Police firearms officer PC Rory Romani.

The aim was to leave children in no doubt about the dangers of weapons and the consequences of becoming involved with those who carry them.

A police spokesman said there were educational facts and figures that left pupils with no illusions about how seriously the police take the issue of carrying weapons.

There were demonstrations of weaponry at firearms officers’ disposal and other footage.

Children also watched an interview with the parents of Rhys Jones, used on Crimewatch in an appeal after Rhys was killed.

PC Rory Romani said: “This presentation is all about prevention through education.

“If we can stop one person carrying a knife or gun then we would see this project as a success.

“We are not saying that there is a gun and knife problem in West Yorkshire but obviously we do have incidents involving these types of weapons.”

Chief Supt Allan Doherty, the divisional commander, said he was pleased the presentations had reached Keighley. He said: “Think Life Not Knife really gets home the message to young people that if they do become involved in situations where weapons are present they will be risking their own lives.

“Over this year officers from Airedale and North Bradford CID and Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team have worked hard to combat gang related crime and bring those responsible for disorder to justice.

“A number of offenders have already been convicted and a large number of suspects are waiting to go before the courts.”

The presentation was attended by Keighley police chiefs and district and town councillors.

Bradford Council leader Kris Hopkins said the presentation de-romanticised the culture associated with gangs and weapons.