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Angel aims to put an end to knife crime

Statue’s visit will highlight calls to end ‘devastation’

It is made of more than 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces. Now the Knife Angel is coming to Northampton as part of a nationwide tour to highlight the issue of knife crime.

The statue, designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, will be on display at the All Saints’ Church plaza in the town centre from April 29 to May 13. The campaign is aiming to persuade 10,000 people across the country to sign up to become Anti-Violence Ambassadors.

A service and vigil will take place at All Saints’ Church on April 30, 7.30pm, after which candles will be lit around the 27-feet tall sculpture as a symbol of light against darkness.

The Knife Angel has been brought to the town by West Northamptonshire Council, the Christian charity C2C Social Action, which offers practical and pastoral support to offenders looking to turn away from crime, and the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.

“I cannot believe that, after nearly three years of planning, the Knife Angel will be visiting Northampton,” said C2C Social Action’s chief executive Angie Kennedy. “I hope that its presence will bring unity across the county, highlight all the amazing work that is already being done by so many voluntary sector organisations, including churches, to make this county a safer place to live.”

Events supporting the Knife Angel throughout its stay include school workshops aimed at giving pupils across West Northamptonshire an understanding of the statue’s message.

A march against knife crime is planned through Northampton town centre on May 7, followed by a series of performances organised by local charity Off the Streets. The Northamptonshire Emergency Cadets and the WNC Community Safety Team will be in the town centre giving emergency first aid training and safety demonstrations on April 30, May 1, 7 and 8.

“Having the knife angel in Northampton gives us the opportunity to highlight the blight that is knife crime,” said Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community engagement and safet. “All violent crime is abhorrent, the devastation left by knife crime is simply not acceptable and this initiative will raise awareness across the whole of West Northamptonshire.”

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said knife crime is a serious issue and one that is high on his agenda. “I am pleased to have provided funding towards hosting this remarkable sculpture that is a striking visual reminder of the devastating effects knife crime can have on individuals and families,” Mr Mold said. “While the sculpture is in the county, we will be working with key partners to help raise awareness of and educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the lasting impact it can have on their lives.”

A knife amnesty will take place during the Knife Angel’s stay, with anyone able to dispose of blades with no questions asked and no fear of reprisals.

First unveiled in 2017, the Knife Angel travels around the country in a bid to help reduce violent crime. The Explore Northampton app – downloadable for free from the App Store – will offer an interactive experience with the option to view the Knife Angel in augmented reality along with other activities.

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