Haverhill MP Nick Timothy spells out his stance on violence as the Knife Angel nears its departure

As the anti-violence Knife Angel statue nears the end of its time in Haverhill, the town’s MP has made clear his no-nonsense stance on crime.

Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, made his comments after visiting the statue in Market Square with local councillor Joe Mason.

The Knife Angel is the national monument against violence and aggression and was constructed by the British Ironworks Centre using over 100,000 seized blades to underline the devastating impact that violent crime can have.

It has been available for residents and visitors to view in Haverhill’s Market Square during September.

The family of Harley Barfield campaigned for the statue’s visit to Haverhill as a legacy to the 16-year-old, who was stabbed to death by another 16-year-old boy in the town in January 2023.

Mr Timothy said following the visit: “In a civilised society violence is never acceptable and carrying a knife is never okay.

“In Haverhill we all know the terrible consequences of knife crime and it’s vital that young people know never even to consider it.

“That’s why I was so pleased to see the Knife Angel come here. It’s one thing to see it in print, but another to see it close-up. Seeing all those blades is a chilling reminder of the reality of knife crime.

“I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring the statue here so residents could experience it for themselves. And I want to send my thoughts and prayers to all those who have lost family and friends to violence.”

Mr Timothy voted in Parliament against the Labour Government’s move to release thousands of offenders from UK prisons.

The Conservative also met last week with Suffolk Constabulary’s Sudbury and Haverhill Locality Commander, Inspector Ben Hollands, to discuss issues of crime and public safety.

Insp Hollands said: “Suffolk police remain committed to tackling knife-related crime and the Haverhill Community Policing Team is supporting the Knife Angel initiative within our community.

“We are really lucky that Haverhill is a safer place to live and we are seeing a reduction in the number of violent offences recorded, but we acknowledge there is always more we can do to make our community as safe as possible.”

During the statue’s time in Haverhill, special workshops, activities and educational programmes linked to reducing violent crime have been taking place.

These have involved the police, library service, schools, youth groups, a mental health charity, health services, the town council, St Mary’s Church and sports and leisure providers.

Offenders from Highpoint Prison have also contributed art works on an anti-violence theme that are being exhibited in the church.

With the statue’s time in Haverhill coming to a close there will be a Knife Angel Candlelit Departure Ceremony in Market Square tomorrow at 7.30pm.

The programme includes a DJ set by Mr DJ Dan, from Essex Underground, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, a candle laying between 7pm and 7.25pm followed by a welcome from the mayor of Haverhill, Cllr David Smith, student poetry, Suffolk County Councillor Awards, presented by Cllr Heike Sowa, a performance by The Revd Kiran Lotay, a few words by The Revd Max Drinkwater, from St Mary’s Church, and a performance of You Raise Me Up by Archie Pannell.