Father of murdered teen calls for youngsters to ditch knives

A vigil including a minute's silence and balloon release was held in Northampton on Saturday in honour of Rohan 'Fred' Shand

The father of a 16-year-old boy killed while walking home from school says he wants to start a foundation in his son's name to discourage youngsters from carrying and using knives.

Rohan Shand, known as Fred, died after being stabbed on Harborough Road in Northampton on 22 March 2023.

On Saturday, an outdoor memorial service was held to honour the teenager and send a message about the harm caused by knife crime.

A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years detention for Fred's murder following a three-week trial.

Rohan Shand Snr, the victim's father, said he wanted to show youngsters "we don't need you lot to carry knives, because you don't need knives".

Fred's father wants to keep his memory alive "in the hearts of this generation"

Mr Shand said he wanted to create the foundation to show young people that a "knife is for cooking".

"If you have a problem, or you feel scared, go to someone and try and talk to somebody big, who can approach the person and try to get whatever difference you have, and squash it right there," he said.

"No-one will lose their life."

"I'm begging them please to put down the knife, because they don't know the trauma," he said.

On the two-year anniversary of Fred's death, Mr Shand Snr said he would be relying on his family to help him.

"When I lose my son, it's like I lose my life, I lose everything, the trauma is still there," he said.

"Looking at my son and the picture on the wall and all these things, I know [I'm] not going to get any grandchildren. It's just too much."

Rohan Shand Snr says his son's death was a "senseless killing"

Crowds gathered at King's Heath Square for a vigil and balloon release in Fred's honour.

Bishop Donnovan Allen from the New Testament Church of God led prayers at the memorial event.

"I've spoken to quite a few of the students and they're still upset. After the funeral, the young people didn't want to leave. Some of them are still carrying that scar," he told the BBC.

Bishop Donnovan Allen said serious action needed to be taken to tackle knife crime

Bishop Allen said the event helped the family "because it tells them people still care", and could also send a message to young people.

"If they're going to carry a knife, it's not worth it. They not only destroy the family but it's a ripple effect.

"It takes only a second to take a life, and life's very precious."

Anti-knife-crime campaigner Quinton Green read a poem at the memorial service

Knife Crime Victim Support founder Quinton Green said the event was "absolutely something we need for Northampton".

"We need to remember the loss and void it's left across the town and for the family. The people here are testament to that."

He said a foundation in Fred's name could "have a deep impact".

"It's about early intervention, education. We need to help young people with their emotional intelligence, talk to them about conflict resolution and self-regulation.

"We all have setbacks, but it's about how you come back from those," he said.