Knife Angel's arrival aims to spark positive discussion

The sculpture was created from 100,000 blunted knives

The arrival of the Knife Angel sculpture in Walsall should provoke discussions in the borough about knife crime, the council has said.

The statue, created from 100,000 blunted knives, has been installed in Gallery Square in Walsall town centre.

The 27ft (8m) high sculpture will remain until 28 December.

The aim of the installation was to engage positive conversations around knife crime, deputy council leader Garry Perry said.

"By showcasing this thought-provoking sculpture, our hope is that we can provoke discussion, signpost to support and empower all of our communities to choose life," he said.

Ch Supt Phil Dolby, the town's police commander, added he hoped the statue would lead to "positive change" in Walsall.

The Knife Angel will be in Walsall until 28 December

The sculpture was designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC) as a national monument against violence and aggression.

The knives used to construct it were confiscated by 43 police forces across the UK.

The Knife Angel has toured towns and cities across the country since November 2018.