The Knife Angel has arrived in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury has welcomed the Knife Angel to the town to help raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife.

The anti-violence sculpture is made entirely from over 100,000 seized blades and was created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour.

The Angel will be in Shrewsbury Town Centre from today (Wednesday 17 June) until Friday 31 July aims to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons.

The sculpture was created by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire, the same company that made the Anti-violence Bee which has previously toured all three counties within West Mercia.

Working in partnership with Shrewsbury Town Council the aims to use the Angel to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, as well as target those who carry weapons and disrupt the sale and supply of knives.

The Angel’s arrival also coincides with Neighbourhood Policing Week, highlighting the vital role local officers play in engaging with communities, preventing violence, and keeping people safe.

Shrewsbury’s Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Ingrid Tozer 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 for the remainder of June and for the whole of July, as 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.

“We’re especially pleased to be hosting the Knife Angel during Neighbourhood Policing Week, as it reflects the work our local teams do every day to engage with communities, prevent violence, and keep people safe.

“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.”

Officers will be at the Knife Angel on the following days between 10am and 2pm with a knife surrender bin, where people can dispose of any unwanted bladed items with no questions asked:

• Friday 19 June
• Wednesday 24 June
• Friday 26 June
• Thursday 2 July
• Sunday 5 July
• Thursday 9 July
• Sunday 12 July
• Thursday 15 July
• Saturday 18 July
• Tuesday 21 July
• Saturday 25 July
• Tuesday 28 July
• Friday 31 July

Shrewsbury Town Council Leader, Councillor Rob Wilson said: "The arrival of the Knife Angel in Shrewsbury provides a powerful opportunity for our community to reflect on the devastating impact that knife crime and violence can have on individuals, families and communities. While Shrewsbury remains a safe place to live, work and visit, it is important that we continue to educate and engage with young people about the dangers of carrying weapons. We are proud to be working alongside West Mercia Police and our local partners to bring this nationally recognised sculpture to the town and support the important conversations it encourages."