THE imposing Knife Angel sculpture took centre stage in Leeds today (Thursday) for the official launch of a month-long campaign of education and awareness around knife crime.

Leeds follows Bradford who ran a month-long campaign when the statue was unveiled in City Park in April 2023.

The 27 foot tall figure, created from over 100,000 seized blades by the British Ironwork Centre, will be on show outside the Royal Armouries Museum throughout February to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and the need for change.

Its arrival in the city heralds a comprehensive programme of activity, led by the city’s community safety partnership Safer Leeds and supported by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, to engage and educate young people as part of the city’s continued response to serious youth violence.

A range of partner organisations, including youth and school groups, took part in the event along with representatives of Leeds Rhinos, including player Mikolaj Oledzki.

Last year’s unveiling at the beginning of April marked the Bradford Youth Justice Service (YJS) commencing its anti-violence awareness month.