A group of young people from one of Bolton’s “outstanding” schools visited the Knife Angel statue to learn about the devastating impact of violent crime.
The Knife Angel stood on Deansgate in the town centre for most of last month, prompting wide ranging discussions and debates about knife crime.
Among several groups to see the sculpture for themselves were pupils from Halliwell’s Eden Boys School.
Principal Arshad Ashraf said: “I thought it was really important to give young people the opportunity to see this moving sculpture first hand.
“I’m passionate about tackling knife crime and I’m working with our teachers, parents and wider partners in the community to ensure that our students are properly educated about the harms of carrying knives.”
Mr Ashraf organised the visit and came along himself to see the statue.
He believes that the message it imparts is vital to pupils at his school, which retained its “outstanding” Ofsted rating after its most recent inspection.
The Knife Angel statue tours around the country and left Bolton after a closing ceremony held on Thursday, November 30 at Bolton Lads and Girls Club on Spa Road.
Created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironwork Centre, the 27ft, 3.5 tonne monument was made by more than 100,000 confiscated knives from across the UK.
Also known as The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, the Knife Angel aims to highlight the devastating effects of knife crime and the need for change in society.
It also acts as a memorial to lives lost because of violent behaviour like this.
The statue proved to have a profound impact on the Eden Boys pupils who visited.
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Head boy Ammar said: “The Knife Angel just towers above you, it was shocking to look at first when you see each rusting blade.
“The messages engraved on its wings were very hard hitting too.”
Mr Ashraf and his colleagues will hope that pupils will remember the lessons they learned from the Knife Angel for many years to come.
Pupil Abdullah said: “I felt really sad about the intentions people had when they wanted to use them knives to cause harm to others.
“But the shape of the Angel made me think about forgiveness and grief of the victims and loved ones.”
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