Knife Angel sculpture leaves Taunton for Weston-super-Mare

The 27-foot-tall statue was created from blades confiscated by the UK's 43 police forces.

Its arrival at the Italian Gardens is the result of a successful bid by the North Somerset Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

It is hoped that this will help highlight the issue of violent crime.

The statue was removed on Tuesday night (April 30) and the official unveiling in Weston-super-Mare will take place at 4pm today (Wednesday, May 1).

A procession to Castle Green followed, culminating in a spiral of light.

The spiral of light on Castle Green in Taunton (Image: Taunton Town Council)

Taunton Town Council said: "A poignant closing ceremony was held at Taunton Minster last night to mark the end of the Knife Angel's month in Taunton.

"A procession to Castle Green followed, culminating in a spiral of light.

"The statue was later removed and taken on to Weston-Super-Mare for the month of May."

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “Last night, we bid farewell to the Knife Angel after its month-long stay with us in Taunton as part of a nationwide tour.

“Hundreds of people have visited this thought-provoking sculpture designed by artist, Alfie Bradley at The British Ironwork Centre.

“Thank you to all those who have visited, the local community for your support, and our amazing partners for bringing this important message to Somerset and helping to raise awareness of the negative effects of violence and aggression.

“If you did not get the opportunity to visit The Knife Angel, it will now make its way to the Italian Gardens, Weston-super-Mare for the duration of May, you can follow Knife Angel North Somerset for more information.”

The sculpture was unveiled in Taunton Market Place place on April 3.

A short civic ceremony was held at the site with several speakers including Emma Webber, the mother of 19-year-old Barnaby, who was stabbed in Nottingham in the early hours of June 13 as he walked home with his friend Grace O'Malley-Kumar.