Full Breakdown
Knife Angel Sculpture Installed in Ely to Address Knife Crime
4/10/2026, 9:54:20 PM
Overview of the Knife Angel Installation
A significant public art installation, the Knife Angel, created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, will be displayed on Palace Green in Ely, Cambridgeshire, from May 20 to June 17, 2023. This 27-foot sculpture is constructed from 100,000 knives confiscated by police and aims to raise awareness about the impact of knife crime on communities. The installation coincides with a knife amnesty, encouraging individuals to surrender weapons to law enforcement.
Collaborative Efforts Behind the Project
The Knife Angel project is a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations, including Soham Town Rangers Football Club, Cambridgeshire Police, the office of the police and crime commissioner, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, and Ely Cathedral. The initiative has received substantial funding from the National Lottery, with local business Manchetts providing transportation for the sculpture. Additionally, the community group Men's Shed in Soham constructed the picket fence that will surround the installation.
Objectives of the Knife Angel and Amnesty
The primary goal of the Knife Angel installation is to foster dialogue about knife crime and its consequences, particularly among young people. Superintendent Paul Rogerson from Cambridgeshire Police noted that while knife crime rates in Cambridgeshire are lower than the national average, the region is not entirely free from these issues. He emphasized the importance of the sculpture in prompting discussions about violence prevention and safe weapon surrender.
Darryl Preston, the commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, highlighted the initiative as an opportunity to engage communities and raise awareness about the risks associated with carrying knives. Jonathan James, chairman of Soham Town Rangers FC, echoed this sentiment, stating that football can play a vital role in addressing the dangers of knife crime.
Community Impact and Previous Amnesty Results
The installation of the Knife Angel is expected to be a thought-provoking experience for visitors, particularly youth. Lis Every, chair of the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership, expressed hope that the sculpture would encourage young people to reflect on the implications of knife crime. Last year, during the annual knife amnesty week, Cambridgeshire Police reported that 98 weapons or knives were surrendered across the county, indicating a community willingness to engage in discussions about safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By bringing the sculpture to Cambridgeshire, alongside a knife amnesty, we want to encourage people to think twice, surrender weapons safely and have honest conversations about how we prevent violence before it happens.” — Supt Paul Rogerson, Cambridgeshire Police
- “Knife Crime, particularly among young people, is a problem across all parts of the country and as football is a force for good, we are able to play our part in highlighting the danger and impact that it has on communities.” — Jonathan James, Chairman of Soham Town Rangers FC
The Knife Angel installation represents a concerted effort to address knife crime through art and community engagement, aiming to inspire meaningful conversations and actions towards reducing violence.
