Haverhill knife crime mural painted where Harley Barfield killed

The mural was inspired by conversations with local children and teenagers about knife crime

A mural inspired by young people affected by knife crime has been unveiled in a Suffolk town following the death of a teenager.

Artist Joel Millerchip painted the artwork in Strasbourg Square, Haverhill, where 16-year-old Harley Barfield was stabbed in January.

It is the culmination of a summer youth project designed to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Millerchip said the response so far had been "overwhelming".

Harley was stabbed to death in January by another 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, in a dispute over a girl.

Friends and family described Harley Barfield as a caring and fiercely loyal person

Haverhill Town Council launched the street art project as an early intervention and prevention scheme for those affected by the issues surrounding knife crime and violence.

Throughout August and September, people aged 13 to 18 were invited to attend a series of workshops and drop-in sessions with Mr Millerchip.

A statement from the council said: "It allowed participants opportunity to explore their feelings and responses to issues surrounding knife crime, violence and anti-social behaviour, and how its consequences can affect individuals, families and the wider community."

Mr Millerchip interpreted key messages from the sessions to create a "fun and uplifting design based on the concept of community, communication and conversations".

The project was made possible with funds from Suffolk Police and the Crime Commissioner Fund, in collaboration with Chalkstone Community Centre.

Sara Marsh, from the council, said the mural was commissioned to bring something positive to Haverhill.

Mr Millerchip said: "While creating the mural, I had a steady stream of residents stop to chat to me.

"The overwhelming response was that they loved the wall and since completion we've had a lot of love on social media, too."