A STATUE made of over 100,000 knives has arrived in Gloucestershire.
The 27-feet-tall Knife Angel arrived in Cathedral Green, Gloucester Cathedral on Wednesday (February 1) bringing a striking symbol of peace.
The thought-provoking statue has been created from over 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces.
It features messages from families of the victims of knife crime engraved on its wings.
Organisers hope the sculpture will inspire social change and highlight the issue of knife crime in the county and across the UK.
The statue, which took two years to make, was created by Alfie Bradley from the British Ironwork Centre in 2017 and will stand in Gloucester until February 27.
A knife amnesty will also be taking place, with anyone able to dispose of blades with no questions asked and no fear of reprisals.
Photos of the Knife Angel from the Gloucestershire Camera Club can be found in our gallery.
Canon Rebecca Lloyd, Canon Chancellor and Director of Learning and Participation at Gloucester Cathedral, said: “It’s a great privilege for Gloucester Cathedral to be hosting the Knife Angel, working together with so many partner organisations across the city and the county.
“We’re looking forward to highlighting the vital work that’s already being done to reduce violence and fear in our communities.
“We hope that this month of events will enable us all to start conversations and commit to further action as we seek to work together even more closely to end violence on our streets and in our homes.”
Chief Superintendent Jane Probert, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “Gloucestershire Constabulary is proud to support the Knife Angel.
“It aims to offer a wide range of education and awareness that we can share with our communities to keep people safe from harm.”
The Knife Angel has been brought to the county by Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester City Council, Gloucestershire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucester BID, Gloucester City Safe and NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.
Further information about the monument see the official British Ironworks website, here - www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/the-knife-angel-official
You can find out more about the Knife Angel’s visit in Gloucestershire, here - www.gloucesterbid.uk/knife-angel
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