Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard and his deputy Umme Ali attended the anti-violence event on Saturday (3 August).

The event, hosted by Luton Borough Council saw the ‘Knife Angel,’ a 27-foot sculpture crafted from over 100,000 seized blades unveiled in Luton town centre.

The Knife Angel represents a collective effort to combat violence and knife crime across the country.

The PCC said: “I was pleased to attend this event alongside my Deputy PCC.

“The Knife Angel should be a catalyst for strengthening our prevention and policing action to reduce knife crime especially amongst young people.

“Not only this, but it also serves as a memorial to honour the lives of those lost in these senseless acts of crime.

“Events such as these are imperative for people be reminded of the harsh reality of knife crime and my hope is that people will sit up and listen to the devastating effects knife crime causes not just for families and friends but also for communities.

“I would like to convey our personal thanks to Luton Borough Council for hosting this powerful event.”

John Tizard intends to set six missions within his Police and Crime Plan of which ‘tackling serious crime’ and ‘Prevention through partnership’ are included.

He’s asked residents to answer questions about his priorities in a survey launched last week.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Umme Ali who attended alongside the PCC further commented: “I was honoured to stand with the local community and partners to support this powerful event.

“It was inspiring to hear how we’ve been empowering young people to speak out against knife crime through art, poetry, and songs.

“The legacy fund launched on the day by the Youth Partnership Service is a crucial initiative that will see projects created for children and young people.

“It’s especially important as it ensures the positive influence by Knife Angel’s presence in the town will continue to make a lasting difference even after it’s departure.”

Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU), were also in attendance. Head of the VERU Cara Gavin said: “It’s fantastic to see organisations from across sectors band together and take a stand against knife crime.

“Knife crime is a countywide issue that requires a countywide response, which is why we continue to work with partners like the local councils, Bedfordshire Police and our commissioned services to ensure that any approach taken to address violence in Bedfordshire is taken together as a collective.

“Whether it be through our Just Drop It campaign, funding organisations that work with young people at risk of violence or strategic partnerships, we remain committed to reducing violence and exploitation across our community.”

Roseann Taylor, who works to support young people at risk of violence and exploitation, was awarded with the Knife Angel Community Award.

Roseann is the mother of Azaan ‘AJ’ Kaleem, who was stabbed to death in Luton more than six years ago.

The award was presented by Councillor Maria Lovell portfolio holder for community safety at Luton Council, and Rachel Hopkins MP, during the Knife Angel Civic Ceremony.

She was also presented with a certificate of special recognition from Bedfordshire Police’s Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and PCC John Tizard.

The event is the first in a series of planned events by Luton Borough Council alongside statutory and community organisations designed to engage with the public and foster awareness.

Other initiatives planned include Operation Sceptre, where Bedfordshire Police will encourage people to leave unwanted knives in amnesty bins, engage with retailers, and carry out weapon sweeps.

More information about the Knife Angel and events throughout August.