Stricter checks for online knife purchases to be introduced

After it emerged Southport killer Axel Rudakubana bought the knife he used to kill three young girls from Amazon when he was just 17 years old, the government has brought forward changes to online knife sales.

A person buying a knife online will now have to submit a copy of their photo ID, such as a drivers' licence or passport, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill.

They will then have to show ID again when the package is delivered.

The Home Office said online retailers could ask for buyers to submit a current photo or video of themselves alongside their ID.

Delivery drivers will only be allowed to deliver a knife to the same person who purchased it.

It will also be illegal for delivery drivers to leave a package containing a bladed weapon on a doorstep when nobody is in to receive it.

The new requirements are set to be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, expected to be introduced to parliament by spring.

Following Rudakubana's unexpected guilty plea this week, Amazon said it had launched an investigation.

The child murderer circumvented Amazon's current checks, which include a name, address and birthdate being checked by credit checker Experian, by using encrytion software.

It is understood Rudakubana's parents took in the parcel - addressed to him - with the Amazon delivery driver confirming they were over 25.

The world's largest online retailer said it takes its "responsibility around the sale of all age-restricted items - including bladed products - extremely seriously".

Currently, when purchasing a knife from Amazon the buyer has to enter their date of birth.

They are told: "Valid photographic ID with a date of birth may also be required upon delivery.

"The driver will input your year of birth into their device and may then require an ID check to complete the age verification process."

-SKY NEWS