Knife Angel to visit Newark during national tour

The Knife Angel statue is to visit Newark in spring as part of a national anti-violence tour.

The 27-ft (8m) high statue is made from 100,000 knives previously surrendered or confiscated by police forces across the UK.

The sculpture will be on display in the Nottinghamshire town from 21 April until 20 May during the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour.

Councillor Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the statue "carries an important message about the dangers of knife crime".

Taylor added: "The Knife Angel is awe-inspiring, and I hope many residents in Newark and the surrounding areas come to visit.

"I'm hoping that those that might be tempted to get involved in violence realise it's not worth it.

"If it stops one person it's been a success because one incident is one too many."

The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire in 2017.

Some of the blades used are inscribed with the names of lost loved ones of families who supported the project.

The statue has visited more than 50 locations since its tour began in 2018.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.