Towering 'knife angel' monument arrives in Slough

A towering ‘knife angel’ made up of 100,000 bladed weapons has arrived in Slough as part of a month of action to tackle violence in the town.

Knife crime has become a serious concern in the community following a year which saw three young men’s lives claimed by knives.

The monument, located outside Slough’s Arbour Park stadium, aims to remind people about the devastating impacting of violence and aggression.

Deputy Commander for Slough policing area, Ashley Smith, said: “We know that violence, particularly knife crime, is a real concern for our communities and there is a clear desire in our town to work together to end this.

“The start of a new year will serve as a catalyst for activity with partners and communities to tackle violence in all its forms, with opportunities throughout the month to get involved and make a difference locally.

“We acknowledge this cannot be a single month of action, and are committed to building a legacy as part of our commitment to not tolerating violence in Slough.”

The knife angel monument, created by the British Ironwork Centre, has travelled across the country and was previously stationed in Milton Keynes.

It is made up of blunted weapons which have been deposited in knife amnesty bins at police stations across the UK.

A month of action will be taking place throughout January in Slough to urge the community to take a collective stand against violence.

This includes a weapon amnesty which will see knife amnesty bins placed at Arbour Park and Slough Police Station.

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Tackling knife crime and serious violence in Slough is a priority for Thames Valley Police. 

“However, preventing knife crime and addressing the reasons as to why people choose to carry a knife cannot be tackled by policing alone which is why welcoming the Knife Angel to Slough is so important.

“The Knife Angel reminds us of the devastating impact of violence and aggression and brings partners and the community together with a commitment to tackle it.”

Council leader James Swindlehurst said he hoped residents would visit the knife angel sculpture and spread the message that committing violent acts is never okay.