Knife Angel visit 'will be catalyst for education'

A giant monument with a message against violence and aggression will be in Plymouth in March for a month-long display.

The 27ft (8m) Knife Angel, created from more than 100,000 seized or surrendered knives, will be installed outside Plymouth Civic Centre and Guildhall.

The visit has been funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), with funds from the Community Safety Partnership's Serious Violence Duty fund.

Plymouth City Council said the sculpture was "a powerful symbol of the impact of violent crime and a catalyst for education, prevention and remembrance".

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said the Knife Angel was an "impactful way of reaching out to young people, organisations and the community".

"My office's recent survey of young people and adults identified they worried about people carrying weapons on our streets," she added.

"The more we can do to deter people from carrying a knife and show that we act to prevent their concerns the better."

Cllr Sally Haydon, cabinet member for community safety at Plymouth City Council, said: "Plymouth does not face a knife‑crime crisis, and overall incidents here remain comparatively low, but even one incident is one too many and its impact can be lifelong."

Devon and Cornwall Police will be inviting schools and colleges to take part in educational events around the Knife Angel.

A spokesman added permanent knife surrender bins were available at police stations.

The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire in 2017.

Some of the blades used are inscribed with the names of lost loved ones of families who supported the project.

The statue has been at more than 50 locations since its tour began in 2018.

The Knife Angel will be on display in Plymouth City Centre from 3 to 30 March and will be illuminated each evening.

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