Knife Angel partners renew commitment to anti-violence charter

One year after the iconic Knife Angel came to Newport, the city has reinforced its commitment to the Knife Angel’s National Anti-Violence Charter.

Commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, the 27ft Knife Angel is made from more than 100,000 knives from amnesties held across the UK. It stands as a symbol against knife crime and violence in communities.

The sculpture was displayed in Newport at the Friars Walk shopping centre throughout November 2022 and was seen by thousands of visitors over the month. During the Knife Angel’s visit anti-violence workshops were delivered to schools across Gwent, and hundreds of children took part in a competition to design an anti-violence sticker.

The Knife Angel’s visit to Newport was carried out in partnership between Gwent Police, Newport City Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Friars Walk.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “We were honoured to bring the Knife Angel to Gwent last year and the reaction from the public was overwhelmingly positive.

“Throughout its visit our partners at the charity Fearless delivered anti-violence workshops to schools across the region and this work continues as part of the Knife Angel’s legacy. As part of our on-going work to tackle knife crime, violence and aggression in our communities I am I am pleased renew our commitment to the Knife Angel’s National Anti-Violence Charter.”

The owners of the Knife Angel, the British Ironwork Centre, has gifted a plaque to Newport City Council as a symbol of its commitment to the charter.

Jane Mudd, the leader of Newport City Council said: “We were proud to host the Knife Angel in Newport. It is a striking piece of art which encouraged much discussion during its time here, making us all stop and think about the impact knife crime and violence has on us as individuals and communities.

“One year on it is still talked about by our residents and we are pleased to renew our commitment as a city to the Knife Angel’s anti-violence charter.”

Chief Superintendent Carl Williams said: “Hosting the Knife Angel was enormously meaningful and memorable for us; it's now important we ensure discussions around the devastating impact knife crime can have on our communities continues.

"We understand the fear that this type of crime can have, but we want to reassure the public that we’re committed to doing everything we can to tackle serious violence and ensure that Gwent is a safe place in which to work, live and visit.

"Resident engagement and educational visits form part of this work, and our officers are delivering lessons in schools and the community to highlight the consequences of carrying knives.

"As we do as part of our daily policing, this week for Operation Sceptre officers will also be carrying out a number of intelligence-led patrols to deter offending and target those who commit violent crime."