England players tackle knife crime

7:13pm Monday 18th August 2008

England football stars have called for an end to the country's knife crime crisis.

Members of the national squad said a series of tragic fatal stabbings must end.

They met Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and senior police officers at the team hotel ahead of their clash with the Czech Republic.

Manager Fabio Capello said his players want to use their influence to save other youngsters from a bloody fate.

He said: "The players are well aware of the positive impact that they can have on those growing up.

"I am proud that they have taken the initiative to support this important programme."

Mr Capello was talking about the Government's It Doesn't Have To Happen campaign that urges young people not to carry blades.

New figures revealed on Monday that almost 750 people have been stopped and searched every day since a £2 million knife crime blitz was launched in June.

Officers have stopped 55,000 people, arrested 2,500 suspects and seized 1,600 knives during operations in 10 violent hotspots in England and Wales.

Ms Smith said: "I want to reinforce our commitment to tackling knives and getting them off our streets. Working with the police, local authorities, the Health Service and partners like the FA, we will do all we can to protect young people, their families and communities from the fear and grief of knife crime."