A GIANT sculpture made out of 100,000 knives has been installed to raise awareness of the harmful effects knife crime has on the community. 

The monument, also known as the Knife Angel, arrived in Milton Keynes on Thursday, December 1, and will be located outside Stadium MK throughout December and into early January.

The Knife Angel is a 27ft sculpture, made from bladed weapons collected in knife amnesty bins during police operations across the country.

Created by the British Ironwork Centre, the monument travels to locations around the UK as a focal point to help educate children and adults about the harmful effects that violent behaviour has on communities.

Deputy Commander for Milton Keynes policing area, Chief Inspector Euan Livingstone said: “Whilst serious violence in Milton Keynes has reduced over the last three years, we know that violence, particularly knife crime, is a real concern for our communities and there is a clear desire in our city to work together to end violence.

“The festive season typically brings communities together, therefore we want the arrival of Knife Angel to our city this December to act as a catalyst for encouraging conversation about violence and aggression.

“However, it is vital that the month of action leaves a legacy, and as communities we all continue to work together to make a strong and sustained difference to serious violence in our city.

“Everyone should feel safe to live and work in Milton Keynes.”

Between 2021 to 2022, four people were killed in Milton Keynes from a knife.

During that same period, Thames Valley Police recorded 250 knife crimes. 

109 people were caught in possession of a bladed article from 2021 to 2022.

Cabinet Member for Adults, Healthy Communities and Housing at Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Emily Darlington said: “Too many lives are lost and families broken by violence in our city.

“The Knife Angel is a stark reminder that knives kill.

“We need to deescalate the violence and address the reasons more young people are carrying knives.

“We want to build a city where abuse and violence are not tolerated and people feel safe.”

Residents are being encouraged to visit the Knife Angel sculpture whilst it's in the town centre.

Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, Matthew Barber said: “It is a privilege to host the Knife Angel in Milton Keynes. 

“This powerful sculpture reminds us of the devastating impact of violence and aggression as well as being a symbol for change. 

“I and partners across Milton Keynes are committed to working together in an effort to end the culture of knife carrying and violence. 

“The engagement and educational activities taking place during the month of action will help to open up discussions, which can ultimately lead to changes in attitudes and behaviours."