Knife Angel visit is a chance to reinforce anti-knife crime work

8 July 2026

The arrival of the striking Knife Angel is providing West Mercia Police with an opportunity to strengthen its work to prevent knife crime and educate young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression has arrived in Shrewsbury and will be on display until 31 July.

Standing at 27ft and weighing 3.5 tonnes, the iconic structure has been created from 100,000 knives and blades that have been surrendered to or seized by 43 UK police forces.

It stands as a national memorial to victims of knife crime and an educational tool against violence.

Inspector Ingrid Tozer and Chief Constable Richard Cooper

Shrewsbury’s Safer Neighbourhood and Federation member Inspector Ingrid Tozer said: “The sculpture is a powerful symbol and a chance for the Force and local partners to speak to young people and families about the risks of carrying knives.

“Our aim is to use the Knife Angel to educate and to encourage early intervention before young people become involved in knife crime.”

Shrewsbury Town Council has led on the project, and the Force is using it as a chance to run a series of engagement events in the town centre.

A key focus will be promoting Steer Clear, West Mercia Police’s award-winning early intervention programme aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in knife crime.

Youth knife crime

Steer Clear, which was launched in 2019, is now run by the Children’s Society, with support from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme brings together police, social care, activity providers, and others to keep young people safe from harm and prevent the criminalisation associated with youth knife crime.

It offers group support for young people and their parents and carers, as well as targeted one-to-one sessions for young people who may have been carrying a weapon or have been pulled into criminal activity.

Officers and staff will be at the Knife Angel on dates throughout its visit with knife surrender bins, where people can dispose of any unwanted bladed items with no questions asked.

People can visit the Knife Angel until Friday (31 July).

Weapon

Ingrid said: “Carrying a knife or any weapon doesn’t make you safer; it significantly increases the risk of harm and the likelihood of becoming involved in violence, and such crime causes real and lasting harm to people, their families, and the wider community.

“We are proud to welcome the Knife Angel to Shrewsbury, and we hope its presence gives us the opportunity to engage with residents and reinforce its important message.

“We’re continuing to work closely with Shrewsbury Town Council and local schools to support and educate young people.

“While we are committed to tackling knife crime through enforcement, prevention is just as important. Everyone has a role to play in raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

“We’d encourage parents and carers to speak openly with their children about these risks, and visiting the Knife Angel can be a meaningful way to help start those conversations.”

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