Police have expressed growing concern at the sharp increase in knife crime.

Officers say they are to crack down on those carrying weapons and are warning that searches will be carried out on a random basis in the lead-up to Cup Match. Detectives say security will be stepped up after several recent incidents involving bladed weapons.

Supt. Randy Liverpool said: "We have the power within the law to stop and search and we will certainly be using that law over the next few days leading up to Cup Match. This will be randomly, at any location we feel may be subject to a disturbance.

"Carrying bladed weapons in public is a serious offence and can result in long term periods of incarceration. We would like to remind the public they should refrain from being involved in any of these incidents.

"The Police will use every power they have to try to protect the public. We will be very watchful over the public holiday and will respond as quickly as possible to any incidents."

Supt. Liverpool said: "We have to express our growing concern about recent incidents of disturbances involving bladed weapons.

"After legislation in 2005, we initially had a decrease in such incidents, but just recently there has been a marked increase. In 2005 there were 22 arrests for possession of bladed weapons; in 2006 there were 35 arrests; and in 2007, in just the past seven months, we've had 22 arrests and 47 incidents.

"We are therefore very concerned about the prevalence of such incidents. We're also concerned about the lack of cooperation we're getting from victims and witnesses alike.

"We would like to appeal to the public to cooperate with the Police. It is important for all of us to work together. The Police can't do it by themselves, we need witnesses and victims to also be involved. I appeal to everyone to cooperate with the Police so we can build the confidence of the community.

"We are very concerned about the impact on public safety and public confidence, and we are trying our best to eradicate these problems.

"We can't specifically say whether these incidents are gang-related, but from inquiries so far, rival groups are involved. Whether they are gangs or rival groups of friends, we're not in a position to say that at the moment."

Referring to the recent attacks at Southampton Rangers Sports Club, Ch. Insp. Tracy Adams said: "A number of men went in brandishing bladed weapons. Some of the witnesses are being difficult, and we think they're not being as helpful as they can be.

"The investigation is currently being looked at by the Serious Crime Unit."

The attacks took place on the evening of July 20. Four men, aged 20-22, suffered cuts and bruising. Ch. Insp. Adams said three arrests have been made and that forensic tests were ongoing. "There is a growing concern about witnesses not coming forward to assist in these matters. The only way we'll get success is if we get the cooperation of these people."