Overview

• The 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, forged from 100,000 surrendered blades, was erected in Newton Aycliffe town centre on May 31 for its first County Durham display.
• Durham Constabulary’s Pointless campaign runs throughout June alongside a month-long amnesty under Operation Sceptre that saw 54 knives handed in last week for donation to the British Ironworks Centre.
• Campaigner Zoey McGill, whose son Jack Woodley was killed in a knife attack in 2021, is using the installation to press for tougher sentencing and stricter controls on knife sales.
• Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen contributed £7,500 in funding and regards the exhibit as a catalyst for school visits and community workshops until it departs on June 28.
• Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Boyd stresses the importance of youth engagement and prompt reporting to prevent knife crimes and credits cross-agency collaboration for securing the sculpture’s visit.