A KNIFE amnesty may be held by Dorset Police in the wake of the tragic death of chef Glyn Helliwell.

Senior officers are considering the option after a worried member of the public urged them take action to remove knives from the streets of Dorset.

Nigel Gillespie from Charminster wrote to section commander Inspector Mike Claxton and said: “With the recent fatal stabbing in Southbourne and also other incidents, it would give those who possess these weapons a chance to hand them in.”

And he told the Daily Echo: “The amount of knives seems to be getting to a frightening level. When is the next stabbing going to be? And who is going to be the next victim?”

Insp Claxton said he will raise the issue with senior officers and added: “This is a valid consideration.”

Mr Helliwell, a 42-year-old chef at the Bistro on the Beach in Southbourne, was found dying from stab wounds in Parkwood Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He was rushed to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital but died later.

Police have appealed for help in tracking down his mobile phone, a black Sony Ericsson k800i, which could hold vital clues.

They are also keen to hear from anyone with information about Mr Helliwell’s movements on the evening of Tuesday July 5 and the early hours of the following morning.

Two Bournemouth men, aged 21 and 28, were arrested in connection with Mr Helliwell’s death but have since been released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on confidence on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.