A BRADFORD judge says a 27-foot sculpture coming to the city centre this spring will “educate young people in the community". 

The Knife Angel statue, which has toured the country, will come to City Park through April.

The striking sculpture is made from more than 100,000 bladed weapons that have been blunted and welded together, and was created to raise awareness of knife crime and violence.

The statue, also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression was created by sculptor Alfie Bradley at the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire and the blades used to create it were all seized by police forces across the country.

The Knife Angel’s visit to Bradford is part of its National Tour Against Violence and Aggression, which has seen it visit 30 towns and cities around the UK since 2018. 

Judge Jonathan Rose, Circuit Judge at Bradford Crown Court has dealt with many cases involving knife violence in the district.

He said: “I am pleased to support the iconic and impactful Knife Angel sculpture’s visit to Bradford as part of Anti Violence Month across the district.

“I have seen too often the devastating impact of knife crime on victims and families, and the consequences for perpetrators of such crimes so I hope this campaign will not only open the conversation about all forms of violence and their impact, but also educate young people and the community, ultimately reducing instances of violent behaviour.”

Knife Angel Bradford and Anti-Violence Month events have been arranged by a group of partners across the district led by Bradford Youth Justice Service, Breaking the Cycle, Bradford Community Safety Partnership and West Yorkshire’s Violence Reduction Unit.

The partnership will be running a series of awareness-raising and preventative activities to coincide with the Knife Angel’s visit, including weapon awareness education sessions in schools, a free online anti-violence conference, arts awards and a photography competition.

These activities will be supported by various local partners including West Yorkshire Police, Bradford District Care Trust, Bradford Museums, Victim Services, Bradford University, Bradford City FC, the Probation Service and more.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, portfolio holder for heighbourhoods and community safety at Bradford Council said: “Knife crime and violence are a scourge on the country, causing devastation to individuals and their families and a drain on public resources.

"Anything we can do to raise awareness and implement preventative measures in order to reduce instances of violent aggression and knife crime will be extremely beneficial to our city and its residents.”