Knife Angel visit to warn of violent crime dangers

The statue is made from blades collected through knife amnesties from 43 police forces

A police officer has told of his hopes that a touring statue dedicated to victims of knife crime will help to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying blades.

The Knife Angel is a 27ft (8m) tall statue made from 100,000 seized weapons and features messages from families of victims of knife crime engraved on its wings.

Insp Nicholas Bonson said the monument would be a good opportunity to "get people to realise the dangers that carrying knives can have on peoples lives".

During the statue’s month-long stint in Bolton, Greater Manchester, there will be workshops to educate people on issues surrounding violent crime.

Inp Bonson, from the Bolton Neighbourhood Division, said: “I’ve seen some horrific things where families have been devastated through knife crime.”

But he said he firmly believes such crimes were “avoidable” and emphasized the importance of prevention campaigns within the police and the local community.

Greater Manchester Police have been working with local schools to give children the confidence to speak out "before it's too late", Insp Bonson said.

The Knife Angel statue is touring the UK

The Knife Angel’s visit forms part of a a community led initiative which is also supported by Bolton Council.

The council's chief executive, Sue Johnson said she hopes the month will “inspire our community to make better choices and that the legacy work brings about life long social change in our town".

A launch event at 14:00 GMT will officially welcome the sculpture to Bolton, with a range of speeches.

Poetry recitals, a dove release and a ribbon-tying ceremony will also feature.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tie a ribbon in remembrance of loved ones lost to violent crime.