Poundland stabbing widow has campaign success

Gulsen Alkan and Nicola Blackwood MP launched a petition which gained 50,000 signatures

The widow of a man stabbed to death in Poundland said an agreement over the sale of knives is "the only thing that has brought me peace".

Justin Skrebowski died after being stabbed in Abingdon in December.

His wife Gulsen Alkan gained 50,000 signatures after launching a petition regarding the safe sale of knives.

High street retailers have agreed with the Home Office to "display and package knives securely" in shops to "avoid immediate use".

Tesco, Poundland, Asda, Lidl and others have agreed to enforce age checks as part of a voluntary agreement with the Home Office.

'Buying balloons'

Mrs Alkan said: "My husband died in the most random and cruel way.

"He was stabbed buying balloons for our children in order to celebrate my birthday.

"I cannot say that this makes me happy because I wish so very much that it had never happened and that Justin was with me and our twins now, but it is the only thing that has brought me peace."

Justin Skrebowski, 61 was buying balloons when he was killed in Poundland on 7 December

Tesco, Lidl UK, Wilko, Argos, Morrisons, Asda, Poundland, Sainsbury's, John Lewis and Waitrose have agreed the following:

• Knives will be displayed and packaged securely

• The age limit on the sale of knives will be enforced

• Reminders will be given to customers that knives are only to be sold to over 18s

• All staff selling knives will be trained

It is illegal to sell knives to anyone under 18 and the product must not be marketed in a way to suggest a knife is "suitable for combat" or in a way which is likely to encourage violent behaviour.

Trevor Joyce, 36, is charged with the murder of 61-year-old Justin Skrebowski in Abingdon on 7 December last year.

A trial is scheduled for 6 June.