School to host knife crime awareness event

The event will examine the impact knife crime can have on a community

A school in Bath is hosting an event which will highlight the dangers of knife crime.

St Mark's school will be the venue for the ticketed event on 21 October, which is being organised by the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) at Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES).

Guest speakers who have been personally affected by the devastating impact knives can have will be part of the discussions, which will be begin at 18:00 BST.

The StreetDoctors, a charity which works to give young people life saving first aid skills, will also give a presentation.

Organisers say they hope parents and carers will learn more about the dangers of knife crime and how to keep the children in their care safe.

The VRP is a group of organisations set up to prevent and reduce violence in the area.

The evening at St Mark's School is part of a wider programme aimed at looking into the causes of violence.

Crimestoppers held a number of events in Gloucestershire following the murder of Joshua Hall in Dursley and the killing of Ramarni Crosby in Gloucester.

Fearless, which is run by Crimestoppers, holds regular workshops about knife crime.

“Some young people have information about crime, but wrongly feel they don't have anywhere or anyone to turn to," said Georgina Butler, Fearless National Youth Projects & Campaigns Manager.

"We do not judge or take any personal details from those who contact us.

"All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100% anonymous.”

Anyone attending the event at St Mark's School has been asked by organisers to respect people's confidentiality by not naming children or families, and photography is not allowed on the night.

The event is also only open to people over 16.