STUNNED litter-pickers have told of their shock after unearthing a deadly samurai sword during a blitz on grot spots.

The two-and-a-half-foot black-bladed sword was discovered by a clean-up team organised by Heybridge Parish Council.

They discovered the terrifying weapon while picking up litter along the canal path.

The blade of the sword had been driven into the ground up to its hilt.

Parish council chairman Simon Burwood, who was part of the litter pick, said it was a shocking find.

Mr Burwood said: “It was really sharp, so it wasn’t a prop or anything.

“I think someone deliberately left it there to collect at another time - it did not look abandoned.

“Afterwards, you found yourself thinking ‘What else might we find?’

“If things like this are appearing, it means we need to be more vigilant.”

A community protection officer who was helping on the litter pick took the sword to the police station at the Maldon District Council offices.

He was advised to deposit it in their knife amnesty bank.

Mr Burwood said the samurai sword could have ended up back on the streets and in the wrong hands if they had not discovered it by chance.

“It was a complete stroke of luck,” he said. “The fact that it is now disposed of means that someone can’t take it and use it.

“It’s a big relief that it is off our streets.”

A knife amnesty bin was installed at the district council offices earlier this year as part of the Only Cowards Carry project.

It is supported by the council and Essex police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst.

Mr Hirst said: “A knife placed in one of these bins is another knife off our streets which might otherwise be used to cause someone serious harm or potentially worse.

“Not only do these bins allow dangerous weapons to be safely disposed of but their visible presence in the heart of our town centres also serves to raise awareness of the very real danger posed by those carrying knives.”

Last weekend’s litter patrol filled seven bags with rubbish in just one mile.

Mr Burwood added: “In general, the litter pick went very well, and it was well attended.

“It’s nice to see local people engaging with the community to keep it tidy.”

The next litter pick takes place this Saturday from noon at the Plantation Hall in the village.