Overview

• The Knife Angel, made from 100,000 surrendered blades, arrived in Newton Aycliffe on May 31 for its first County Durham visit.
• Bereaved families, including Zoey McGill whose son Jack was murdered in 2021, joined the unveiling to spotlight knife crime’s human toll.
• Durham Constabulary launched its ‘Pointless’ campaign urging residents to leave knives at home and highlighting the area’s low offence rate.
• A knife surrender operation from May 19–25 yielded 54 weapons, all of which will be donated to the British Ironworks Centre.
• The opening ceremony featured speeches, music, dance and a blessing to foster community dialogue on prevention and enforcement.