THE gang-related stabbings of three people in Clacton at the

weekend only serve to further illustrate how widespread the growing problem of knife crime truly is.

It is a problem recognised by Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who last week announced new Asbo-style orders designed to crack down on knife violence.

The knife crime prevention orders will place restrictions on offenders tailored to each individual, including limiting their use of social media to stop gang rivalries escalating online.

Children as young as 12 could be hit with the orders, which critics fear could be breached with alarming regularity.

If they are breached, a custodial sentence would follow, which for young offenders only serves to further ingrain a criminal lifestyle.

It is no secret that a large number of prisoners reoffend.

Campaigners in Tendring are keen to tackle the problem at source.

They hope by visiting youngsters in schools they can reveal the disastrous consequences of carrying a blade.

Many youngsters who arm themselves with a knife have a misguided belief they are doing so to protect themselves.