Haverhill set to host anti-violence Knife Angel statue, the arrival of which was driven by the murder of Harley Barfield

With history about to be made by the arrival in Haverhill of the anti-violence Knife Angel statue - new legislation banning certain types of knives has been welcomed.

The 27ft high statue, made from more than 100,000 blades, will arrive in Haverhill tomorrow and be installed on Market Square, where it will remain for one month.

At 6pm next Wednesday, there will be a formal ceremony marking the arrival of the statue, whose formal title is the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression and was created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre.

The painful catalyst that led to the statue’s visit to Haverhill was the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Harley Barfield in the town in January 2023.

His killer, a boy who was also 16 at the time, is currently being detained for a minimum term of 17 years having been convicted of murder following a five-week trial at Ipswich Crown Court in late 2023.

Wednesday’s ceremony will open with a pre-event DJ set from Essex Underground Radio and will be attended by Haverhill mayor, Cllr David Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lady Clare Euston, and Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner.

The event will include speeches by Clive Knowles, chairman and founder of British Ironworks and Harley Barfield’s parents Darryl and Bernice, whose work, along with other family members, resulted in the Knife Angel paying its first ever visit to Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk.

Also speaking will be Dr Saleyha Ahsan – presenter of BBC’s ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ and BBC R4’s ‘The Science of…’ and a reflection by the Rev Max Drinkwater of St Mary’s Church. There will also be a performance by spoken word poet and hip hop artist Kiran Lotay.

Cllr Joe Mason said of the statue’s arrival: “I am looking forward to the Knife Angel coming to Haverhill.

“It provides a timely reminder about how all violence is unacceptable and that the costs and consequences too great, causing grief or pain for years to come, as we have seen locally.

“The artwork highlights the negative effects of violent behaviour and presses for a need for change. I like to also see it as a call for ordinary members of the community to stand up for all victims of violence including women and children. Sadly, these behaviours are still all too prevalent yet seems to be rarely discussed or challenged.

“As a county, district and town councillor or indeed as a teacher and father, I am keen to stand with those calling for zero tolerance for knife crime and to stand with all those affected by violence in which ever form it takes.

“I sincerely hope it encourages thoughtful discussion across our community that lasts long beyond its installation in Haverhill.”

Last week, Suffolk Constabulary welcomed new legislation that will make it illegal to own certain styles of ‘zombie’ knives and machetes.

The new law, which will come into force from Tuesday, September 24, is aimed at removing specific types of knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives that meet the criteria.

Ahead of this, the government is introducing a surrender and compensation amnesty scheme for those who currently own these types of knives.

Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme, and detailed guidance on the kinds of knives that will become illegal and eligible for surrender with compensation can be found on the Gov.UK website.

The amnesty scheme began last Monday and closes on Monday, September 24.

During this time owners of knives that qualify for the scheme will need to download and complete the form from the Gov.UK website and bring it with them, along with the knife, to police stations in Princes Street, Ipswich, Raingate Street in Bury St Edmunds and Old Nelson Street in Lowestoft

Sergeant Steve Wright, who is leading the amnesty scheme for Suffolk Police, said: “We welcome these measures that will make it more difficult for people to obtain zombie-style weapons, often used for the purposes of violence, and is an important development that will help us tackle knife-related criminality in Suffolk.

“Whilst the majority of people know that carrying a knife in public is an offence, it’s important that everyone realises that possession of a banned weapon carries a sentence of four years in prison.

“The criteria set out in the new law dictates that any knife over eight inches in length and with one - or more - serrated edge could meet the requirement of a banned knife.

“The harm that is caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime is devastating which is why tackling knife-related crime remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary.

“We remain committed to preventing and reducing knife crime, and continue to work closely with partners and schools to achieve this by taking a proactive approach to raise awareness and reduce offending.

“Suffolk Constabulary will continue to take robust action to those who break the law and remain committed to proactively tackling knife crime and violent offending.”

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Anything that helps removes knives from circulation and prohibits the sale and importation of knives has my full support.

“The devastation caused by knife crime is well documented and, while Suffolk is a relatively safe place to live, we collectively do need to do all we can to keep it that way.

“My message to anyone who is even considering carrying a knife is – don’t. Carrying a knife or sharp-bladed instrument does not make you safer, in fact it’s completely the opposite. If you have a knife, bin it appropriately now.”