Bee made of weapons brings anti-violence message

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Police, the sculpture was inspired by Manchester's worker bee symbol

A giant bee sculpture made of guns and knives seized or handed in to police in Manchester has gone in display in Crewe.

Made by the British Ironwork Centre, the creators behind the Knife Angel, the anti-violence sculpture is in the town's memorial square until 30 May.

Its installation, funded and organised by Crewe Town Council, is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying weapons.

“Having the anti-violence bee here in Crewe is a real honour," said Insp Cliff Goodwin from Cheshire Police.

The sculpture is made up of weapons taken off the streets in Manchester

A range of activities is being planned around the sculpture, from self defence and boxing classes to school visits.

There will be talks in schools about gang culture, knife arches will be used to detect weapons and there will be emergency first aid demonstrations.

A knife amnesty bin will also be placed on Crewe's Memorial Square on Sunday 19 May, for people to surrender blades.

"Our officers work daily to tackle violent behaviour," said Insp Goodwin.

"During the bee's stay here in Crewe, we will be stepping up our presence across the town to reassure residents that we are taking a proactive approach to tackling violence."