A LEADING hospital consultant has warned that the community needs to work together to tackle knife crime in Bolton.

Don MacKechnie, who is based in Greater Manchester and is clinical vice-president of the College of Emergency Medicine, which represents A&E experts, spoke out after the Prime Minister unveiled the Government's latest plans to tackle knife crime.

Gordon Brown promised tougher measures including stop-and-search procedures and harsher community sentences.

On Sunday, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith revealed plans to bring youngsters caught with knives face to face with the victims of stabbings.

However , Mr MacKechnie said he did not think that was the way forward.

Speaking to The Bolton News, he said: "It's quite clear that knife crime is on the increase.

"Hospital A&E departments are part of the community and the College likes to encourage them to take part in projects to try to reduce violent crime.

"But the suggestion that those carrying knives or the perpetrators of stabbings should be marched into emergency departments to see victims is totally inappropriate. There could be secondary victimisation.

"The answer is to work out what is right for each community. No one size fits all.

"I'm sure people in Bolton would feel safer if they see the police on the streets to deter and reassure.

"It needs a multi-agency approach and education in the community.

"Reaching those people we need to will be difficult but it will have to be done."