Slough: Vigil held at anti-violent crime Knife Angel sculpture

The 27ft (8m) high Knife Angel was made from about 100,000 bladed weapons collected by police

A vigil has been held at a sculpture made from knives to commemorate the lives of those lost to violent crime.

The 27ft (8m) high Knife Angel was made from about 100,000 bladed weapons collected by police.

On Thursday, a multi-faith candlelit vigil was held in Arbour Park Stadium, Slough, where the sculpture has stood throughout January.

Campaigner Farron Paul said: "It's paying respect for the people that have passed away.

"If this vigil amounted to one person taking away that they don't want to be a person that commits a crime with knives or gets hurt by knives, that in itself is a win."

A vigil was held in Arbour Park Stadium, Slough, where the sculpture has stood throughout January

Fatima (left) and Shabna Ashraq attended, the sister and mother of Mohammed Ashraq who was stabbed to death

Workshops took place during Thursday to try and get the message out about knife crime.

Mr Paul said there would be first aid training at the statue teaching people how to stem bleeding and how to use tourniquets and bandages.

"They're going to go away with things not only emotionally, but also skills that could prevent loss of life," he said.

Workshops took place during Thursday to try and get the message out about knife crime

Messages were left saying "one knife = one life" at the base of the sculpture

Rhiannon Dineen, from Slough Exploitation and Youth Justice Service, said the statue was "breath taking".

"It's totally different and it is just bringing the whole community together," she added.

Abdi. who lost his brother to knife crime, attended the vigil and said it was emotional to be there

Abdi, who lost his brother to knife crime, said the vigil and events were emotional.

Talking about his brother, he said: "His life has been taken away and it has a big impact on our family still to this day."

He said that life for those who carry knives end up in one of two places - "cemetery or prison".