Date for city arrival of Knife Angel

THE Knife Angel has taken the next step on its journey to Coventry.

The incredible monument has been located in Hull in recent weeks - the current UK City of Culture.

But on Monday it marked an emotional farewell for the people of Hull as the statue against violence and aggression was removed, ready for its visit to Coventry.

It has now been confirmed that the giant, 27-foot sculpture will be unveiled outside Coventry Cathedral next week - though the exact day is yet to be revealed. The visit to Coventry is especially timely, given the large number of incidents involving knives within the city in recent times.

Coventry has seen several high-profile attacks, including the fatal stabbings of The Specials’ Neville Staple’s grandson Fidel Glasgow, 16-year-old Jaydon James and 27-year-old Daniel Kennell.

It is set to call Coventry a home from next week until April.

The Knife Angel aims to show the impact knife crime has on people’s lives.

It is made up of more than 100,000 weapons confiscated from 43 police forces across the country and was created by artist Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire.

It took four years in total to build the Knife Angel after permission was granted by the Home Office to collect the knives. British Ironwork Centre began collecting the weapons by creating knife banks in each police force area.

Cllr Ed Ruane, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities organised for the sculpture to come to Coventry. He said: “I am sick and I am tired, and I want Coventry to be sick and tired with me.

“I am sick of learning about the stabbings of more young people in our city. I am sick and tired of having to explain to Central Government who continue to ignore the impact austerity is having on our communities.

“We need change, we are a City of Peace and Reconciliation, but what does that really mean to our young people growing up in communities where violent crime is ever increasing?

“If we truly are a United Kingdom, then why are so many of our young people divided by opportunity in our inner cities today?”

The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry said: “The Knife Angel is a stark reminder of a form of violent crime infecting our city and threatening lives with great danger, especially our young people.

“It also speaks the Coventry Story - that weapons of hate and destruction can be reworked into symbols of peace and hope, signalling a new future where violence is overcome.

“Together with people of every faith and none, we will not only care for the bereaved of such crimes but do all we can to build the sort of culture that eradicates their causes.

“I’m really glad that the Knife Angel will stand near St Michael, the guardian angel and patron of Coventry’s Cathedral.”

Mike O’Hara, Chief Superintendent of Coventry Police, said: “West Midlands Police cannot tackle knife crime without the support of partners and the community.

“The Knife Angel is symbolic of the support we have and the commitment we have from the people and groups I have spoken to.

“As well as standing alongside all those affected by knife crime we want to urge those who carry knives to recognise the pain they cause themselves and others as we work to a day when we truly see peace in our streets.”