A THOUGHT-provoking sculpture which aims to highlight a powerful message about the impact of knife crime has been installed in Sandwell.

The 27-foot tall Knife Angel has been installed in Oldbury Civic Square, near Sandwell Council House.

The monument, which weighs 3.5 tons and is made up of 100,000 blunted knives, has been toured across the UK over recent years.

It will be in Oldbury throughout this month to serve as a visual reminder of the devastating impact of knife crime and the resilience of communities working together to combat violence and foster lasting change.

Sandwell Police commander, Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, said: "Knives can ruin lives and we're working with partners to keep our streets safe.

"We're doing this through both enforcement and education and the Knife Angel sends out a powerful message which should resonate across communities.

"We're committed to doing all we can to prevent the devastating consequences which can be caused by carrying a weapon. Actions in the heat of the moment can lead to the tragic loss of life and someone else ruining their own life too.”

Leader of Sandwell Council, councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “Knife-related crime is a concern across the UK, and it is important that we do all we can here in Sandwell to make sure people choose life, not knife.

“Most people do not carry knives; most young people do not carry knives. But we need anyone who does, or is tempted to carry a knife, to turn their back on a choice that could cost their or another person’s life.

“This thought-provoking Knife Angel is a reminder of the real and tragic consequences of knife crime and will hopefully start conversations within families, among friends and in the community.

"This campaign seeks to engage every member of the Sandwell community – schools, families, businesses and local organisations – in a collective mission. We will honour those impacted by violence, educate the public, raise awareness of personal safety and take meaningful action to create a safer, more peaceful future.”

The Knife Angel sculpture has been brought to the borough by Sandwell Council and the Safer Sandwell Partnership working with British Ironwork Centre, West Midlands Police and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).