A regional daily has launched a bid to get rid of drug-related violence on its patch.

The Eastern Daily Press has started its Let’s Get Them Out campaign, which comes after Norfolk Police declared a “critical incident” over the amount of knife violence in the county over recent months.

The EDP has urged readers to be “extra vigilant” after two stabbings in Great Yarmouth and Norwich earlier this month, along with six serious violent incidents involving knives in December.

It is estimated around 20 drug cells, primarily from London, are operating within Norwich.

Editor David Powles said: “We are lucky enough to live in a county where drug-related violent crime is rare when compared to other places.

“That said it was clear from conversations with the Chief Constable that a worrying trend is developing and there are real concerns it will have serious complications.

“We need to stamp this problem out quickly before more people are hurt and the public can play an important part in that.

“None of us want this type of activity to happen here and we are happy to do our bit to spread this important message.”