New anti-knife warning from government
A new campaign warning young people of the dangers of carrying knives has been launched by the government.
The warning, being broadcast via radio, the web and mobile phones, comes after a spate of high-profile stabbings across the UK in the last week alone.
Budding actor Robert Knox, who had a part in the upcoming Harry Potter film, died on Saturday after being stabbed outside a pub in Sidcup, which a day later was the location for a mass brawl in which five men were knifed.
Robert, 18, was the 14th teenager to be murdered in London in 2008.
The government campaign, part of a £3 million commitment over the next three years, aims to warn young people about the harsh physical and emotional consequences of knife crime.
Click here to see one of the adverts
Several other stabbings were reported last bank holiday weekend, including the death of 41-year-old Alan Riddock in the early hours of Sunday outside the Park House pub, in Bristol.
A 19-year-old man was left in a critical condition after being stabbed at East Ham Underground station, while 11 men have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old Shoaib Khan from Bradford.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker admitted the importance of tackling knife crime had become “even started” by the tragic events of the last week.
“We know that many young people carry a knife because they are fearful and these adverts tell powerful stories about the dangers of going down that path,” he said.
“People have got to get the message that if they carry a knife, there’s more chance of it being used against them.”
Mr Coaker insisted the government had already given police new powers and introduced tougher sentences in order to beat knife crime.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) welcomed the Home Office’s new adverts, which were partly written by young people.
Its lead on knives, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan police, Alf Hitchcock, said: “Knife crime causes massive grief and pain to both victim’s families and their communities.
“This campaign will encourage young people to realise that they should speak to one another, their parents and others around them for support. It should be remembered that you are more likely to be a victim of knife crime by carrying a knife, rather than a knife protecting you.
“Anyone caught carrying a knife is committing a serious offence and the police are being welcomed by local communities to stamp out this menace.”
Angela Lawrence from Mothers Against Violence commented: “The senseless killing of our children by knives and guns has to stop. Every mother, father and carer has the responsibility to ensure this happens.”
The radio adverts are due to go live at the beginning of the month, but can be viewed at www.itdoesnthavetohappen.co.uk from today onwards.
