Shropshire's Knife Angel takes up new home at Coventry Cathedral

The artwork drew a big crowd as it was carefully lowered into position at the city’s cathedral by crane.

The Bishop of Coventry, Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said the Knife Angel was “a stark reminder of a form of violent crime infecting our city and threatening lives with great danger, especially our young people".

He added: “It also speaks the Coventry Story – that weapons of hate and destruction can be re-worked into symbols of peace and hope, signalling a new future where violence is overcome. Together with people of every faith and none, we will not only care for the bereaved of such crimes but do all we can to build the sort of culture that eradicates their causes.

“I’m really glad that the Knife Angel is standing near St Michael, the guardian angel and patron of Coventry’s Cathedral.”

The Knife Angel was created at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and is constructed from thousands of knives that have been confiscated by police forces around the country.

Mike O’Hara, Chief Superintendent of Coventry Police, said: “West Midlands Police cannot tackle knife crime without the support of partners and the community. The Knife Angel is symbolic of the support we have and the commitment we have from the people and groups I have spoken to.

“As well as standing alongside all those affected by knife crime we want to urge those who carry knives to recognise the pain they cause themselves and others as we work to a day when we truly see peace in our streets.”

Councillor Ed Ruane of Coventry City Council organised for the sculpture to come to Coventry. He said: “We need change, that’s why the Knife Angel is important. We need to show what peace and reconciliation means to our young people growing up in communities where violent crime is ever increasing. We need a conversation.”