Firm sells 'bargain' knives and swords and 'mystery boxes' ahead of ban
Luton-based DNA Leisure also offered £25 mystery boxes of various weapons as part of its "last chance" clear out.
AN ONLINE seller, whose weapons have been bought illegally by at least three teenage killers, offered "discounted" knives and swords ahead of a planned ban in September.
Luton-based DNA Leisure also offered £25 mystery boxes of various weapons as part of its "last chance" clear out.
Anyone purchasing knives online from the UK must supply identification to prove they are over 18, with checks also made at the point of delivery.
Three separate murder trials heard that under 18s who went on to kill used their parent's ID to illegally buy from the vendor.
Earlier this week the firm displayed adverts on its website urging customers to take advantage of a "Knife & Sword Stock Sell Off" with 25 per cent off and the "mystery boxes".
As the UK faced a knife crime epidemic, and news two 12-year-olds were convicted of murder, the promotion said: "This is your last opportunity to grab a bargain as many knives and swords are being sold below cost price."
The Home Office declined to comment.
A government source said before the sale DNA Leisure approached the Home Office about handing over all the stock in return for financial compensation as part of a surrender scheme, but officials declined as it did not comply.
A DNA Leisure spokesperson denied any weapons had been bought by convicted killers.
The firm added: "Although still rare, incidents like this have affected several retailers in our sector despite, in our case, always complying with UK laws relating to age verification. We have taken the decision to go further than the ban coming into effect this summer and stop selling bladed items altogether once our stock has been sold."
