Teen stab victim's family welcomes statue arrival

Jack Woodley's mother Zoe McGill hopes the Knife Angel will raise awareness

The family of a teenager stabbed to death has welcomed the arrival of the Knife Angel in his hometown.

The 27ft (8m) statue, made from 100,000 seized blades, tours the nation to highlight the devastation of knife crime.

It has been installed in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, the hometown of Jack Woodley, who was killed in a knife attack in Houghton in 2021.

His mother Zoe McGill said it was good to have the Angel there in his memory to raise awareness among his friends, family and the wider community.

The sculpture, in situ until 28 June, coincides with a Durham Constabulary campaign to tackle knife crime, as well as a month-long knife amnesty.

Members of the public can safely surrender knives at the front counters of the Durham City, Bishop Auckland, Peterlee, and Darlington police stations.

These will then be donated back to the British Ironworks Centre, the creators of the Knife Angel.

The Knife Angel is in Newton Aycliffe

Speaking at the installation, Ms McGill said: "When I look at the monument it's as though the Angel is saying 'why?'

"All these people who are carrying knives, I just think 'why? What does it solve?'

"Knives destroy lives not just for the victims but for their families, and the lives of perpetrators as well."