A huge 27ft sculpture which uses more than 100,000 knives to form the shape of an angel will be installed at a Welsh shopping centre next month as part of a national anti-violence campaign. The aptly-named 'Knife Angel' statue has been designed as a "prominent reminder of the devastating effects of violence and aggression" and will be installed at Friars Walk in Newport throughout November.
The impressive sculpture was created by artist Alfie Bradley, from London, and commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre, based in Oswestry near the Welsh border. Its appearance in Newport comes as part of the sculpture's UK tour.
Gwent Police says the statue has been made from knives that were surrendered at amnesties across the UK and said the angel's wings have "messages of hope from the families of victims". The Knife Angel's visit will take place in collaboration with a programme of events aimed at engaging children and young people across Gwent, police added.
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Police and crime commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert explained: "The Knife Angel is a reminder for us all of the devastating impact that violence and aggression can have on communities.
"To prevent violent crime we need to start at the earliest opportunity. The Knife Angel’s visit to Gwent is an opportunity for us to engage with our residents, particularly our children and young people, and equip them with the tools that will help keep them, their friends and their families safe.
"I would encourage residents from across Gwent to come and pay a visit to the Knife Angel during November.”
The chief constable of Gwent Police, Pam Kelly added: "Hosting the Knife Angel in Gwent is an honour and a privilege. This statue stands to remind us all of the importance to raise awareness of knife and violent crime and I encourage as many people as possible to visit this wonderful sculpture.
"I hope its presence will lead to more conversations in our communities about the impact knife crime has on both victims and their families in an attempt to try and help reduce the risk of these crimes across Gwent. I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have helped bring it to Gwent."
Chief superintendent Carl Williams from Gwent Police further added: "The figures for serious violent crime have risen nationally, and although our service is no exception for these rises, the numbers in Newport, and Gwent as a whole, remain low and we remain one of the safest places to live in Wales. Knife crime can have a devastating effect on our communities and we're committed to tackling all types of violent crime."
Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Jane Mudd added: "An important part of both preventing and dealing with the impact of violence and aggression is education and discussion. Special workshops and the extension of work already taking part in schools is a key part of this campaign. I am sure that such a striking piece of art will prompt many discussions."
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