Knife Angel in Milton Keynes open to the public
The angel is situated outside Stadium MK
Last updated 3rd Dec 2022
From today people in Milton Keynes and the wider Bucks community are being encouraged to visit the knife angel outside Stadium MK.
The 27ft structure aims to spread awareness around violent crime and is part of a month of action against violence.
The Knife Angel is made up of approximately 100,000 knives collected from knife amnesty bins across the country and it will be available to visit until the 9th of January.
The sculpture is made by the British Ironwork Centre and is transported from place to place to help educate children and adults about the consequences of violent behaviour. After Milton Keynes, the angel will be moving on to Slough.
The month of action was created by 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.
As well as the angel there will be a number of 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.
Just some of the activities include an opening ceremony at MK Dons home match against Burton this today, an anti-violence art competition for children, a candlelit procession, and a carol service.
The month also comes following a Freedom of Information request by Greatest Hits Radio that revealed the number of knife related injuries in Milton Keynes has doubled in just eight year.
Speaking at the installation of the knife angel earlier this week, 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.”