A HUGE sculpture of an angel made of knives has arrived in Wirral today, June 30.
The Knife Angel will be on display at the Grand Entrance of Birkenhead Park until July 31 as part of its National Anti-Violence Tour.
The angel is a contemporary sculpture made out of 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 police forces across the UK and weighs 3.5 tonnes.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The Knife Angel is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities.
“Sadly, we have seen those heart-breaking consequences right here in Merseyside too many times.
“Wherever the Knife Angel has visited, it has acted as a powerful call to action.
“It has brought people together to renew their commitment to preventing and tackling the use of knives, while providing an opportunity to remember those who lives have been lost or irrevocably changed.”
Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, it is on tour of towns and cities around Britain raising awareness of the issues of knife crime and all forms of violence and aggression.
Birkenhead is the only location in Merseyside where it will be displayed this year and aims to provide a focal point to get people talking about violent crime.
The Knife Angel encourages the surrender of knives and was constructed using weapons handed in to police forces as part of an amnesty appeal in 2015 and 2016.
The knife angel made it's way to Birkenhead Park this morning, where it will remain for a month. Residents can come along and see the angel and take part in some of the community events taking place over the next month. #knifeangel pic.twitter.com/xEgZDKhvMG
— MerPol Wirral (@MerPolWirral) June 30, 2022
Surrender bins for the safe disposal of knives in Wirral will be in place next to the sculpture whilst it is in the area.
Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: "Knife crime and other violent offences sadly continue to be a serious cause of concern within our communities.
“The presence of the Knife Angel in Birkenhead will reinforce the work that is already under way by community safety partners in Wirral and the rest of Merseyside to reduce incidents and help residents feel safer.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to visit it and maybe engage with one of the many related events taking place in July.”
The Knife Angel’s arrival in Wirral will be backed up by a month-long series of events, workshops and other activities across the borough involving a range of organisations and people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Knife Angel’s time in Wirral will conclude with a candlelit vigil/memorial event scheduled for July 29.
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