Knife Angel arrives in Milton Keynes
The 27 foot sculpture is designed to raise awareness of violent crime
The Knife Angel has arrived in Milton Keynes - with the aim of spreading awareness around violent crime.
A month of action against violence in December was marked today (1/12) with the arrival of the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.
The scultpure arrived in the city today and will be located outside Stadium MK throughout December and into early January.
The Knife Angel is a 27ft sculpture, made from approximately 100,000 bladed weapons collected in knife amnesty bins during police operations across the country.
Created by the British Ironwork Centre, the monument travels to locations around the UK as a focal point to help educate children and adults about the harmful effects that violent behaviour has on communities.
The month of action in Milton Keynes is a partnership between Thames Valley Police, the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner, Milton Keynes City Council, MK Dons Sports and Educational Trust and The Safety Centre Charity Hazard Alley.
Throughout the month there will be numerous activities, designed by those who live and work in the city to bring together schools and parents, voluntary sector organisations, places of worship, community groups, local venues and businesses to tackle violence in all its forms.
This includes knife crime, which has resulted in a number of lives being tragically lost in the city over the years, but also domestic abuse, hate crime, bullying and other forms of violence and aggression.
Deputy Commander for Milton Keynes policing area, Chief Inspector Euan Livingstone said: “Whilst serious violence in Milton Keynes has reduced over the last three years, we know that violence, particularly knife crime, is a real concern for our communities and there is a clear desire in our city to work together to end violence.
“The festive season typically brings communities together, therefore we want the arrival of Knife Angel to our city this December to act as a catalyst for encouraging conversation about violence and aggression.
“However, it is vital that the month of action leaves a legacy, and as communities we all continue to work together to make a strong and sustained difference to serious violence in our city.
“Everyone should feel safe to live and work in Milton Keynes.”
There will be numerous public activities during the month of action, including an opening ceremony at MK Dons home match against Burton this Saturday (3/12), an anti-violence art competition for children, a candlelit procession, and a carol service.