CRIMESTOPPERS is appealing for the public and criminals to step forward and help end violence in society.

The charity is appealing for anonymous information on criminal activity, saying that says violent crime remains a persistent ­— but preventable ­— problem.

The appeal follows Silence Won't Stop Violence campaign which led to significant rise in information on gangs, weapons, county lines and cuckooing ­— the exploitation of vulnerable people in their own home.

Now, Crimestoppers has launched an urgent appeal for information on those people in the North West region who are known to be carrying weapons.

Silence Won't Stop Violence campaign saw the public respond positively and anonymously. Information on gangs rose by 17 per cent, County Lines up by 15 per cent, cuckooing up by two-thirds and information on firearms rose by five per cent compared to the period prior to the appeal.

Gary Murray, regional manager for the North West Crimestoppers, said: “With violence and gang crime being a persistent, but preventable problem, our charity is relaunching our campaign and supporting a public health approach to tackling violence. This means recognising it requiring a society-wide response, so we are encouraging people ­— who are in the know about those carrying weapons or involved in violent crime - to not be silenced, but to speak up anonymously.

“We know that you may be personally close to crime but may also want to do the right thing and bring violence in your community to an end. No matter how far down the wrong road you’ve gone - you can always turn back. You do have options. You have the ability to prevent violent crime through telling us what you know in advance of planned violent attacks, or passing on information that can help solve crime and bring justice to victims and their families.

“Our aim is to drive people to report what they know about violent crime incidents or planned attacks using our unique anonymous reporting service, via Crimestoppers-uk.org, by calling freephone 0800 555 111, or for young people to use Fearless.org. Together, we can help reduce the harm caused to young lives and communities across the country.”