Knife Angel: Worcestershire based knife crime stories that took place this month

The monument has been in Cathedral Square since the start of March, with a wide variety of events taking place to help raise awareness of knife crime.

Although Worcester is not one of the most prominent cities across the UK that is affected by knife crime, it still has its issues.

Here is all the knife-related incidents that have taken place, are alleged to have taken place or appeared at court this month.

Cranham Drive Raid

Armed officers and police dogs could be seen in Cranham Drive, Warndon, yesterday

On March 23, police found a collection of guns and knives at a property in Worcester.

Armed police with dogs swooped on Cranham Drive, Warndon, after receiving reports of a person with a gun.

Eyewitnesses saw armed officers, police dogs and marked police cars around the estate.

West Mercia Police are continuing with enquiries since the raid.

Read More: Police update after gun and knives found on Worcester estate

Tragic Asda Stabbing

A police cordon in place outside Asda on March 9.

A teenager, aged 14, was charged with the death of 53-year-old, Ian Kirwan after he was stabbed outside Asda in Redditch. 

He was remanded in custody on Monday, March 14 at Worcester Crown Court and ordered to appear at the same court on April 28.

Three youths have also been bailed and seven released with no further action in connection with the inquiry.

Read More: Redditch Asda stabbing: A week that shook Redditch

Teenager slashed with weapon

Image/ Getty.

A teenager was slashed with a weapon, believed to be a knife, in Redditch.

Emergency services were called to reports of an assault in the Matchborough area by Ashbourne Close on Monday, March 14.

A teenage boy had sustained potentially serious injuries and was conveyed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

Read More: Teenager slashed with weapon in Redditch

Suspended sentence for possessing knife 

The sentence was imposed at Worcester Justice Centre.

In Bewdley, a man was handed a suspended jail sentence for possessing a knife in a public place.

Neil Yeomans, of Dry Mill Lane, admitted possessing a kitchen knife on Ombersley Road without good reason or lawful authority on February 8.

The 40-year-old also admitted breaching a previous suspended sentence.

He was given an eight-week sentence suspended for 18 months and was ordered to pay a surcharge, costs and fine totalling £413.

His guilty plea was taken into consideration when the sentence was imposed at Worcester Justice Centre on March 10.

Read More: Bewdley man handed suspended sentence for possessing knife in public

Alleged 12cm blade

TRIAL: Michael Barrett has denied a number of offences

In Malvern, a 58-year-old man appeared in court for alleged assaults on neighbours and for having a knife with a 12cm blade.

Michael Barrett of Old Hollow, Malvern, was due to stand trial at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday.

He has already admitted sending a letter or electronic communication with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress - an electronic communication sent to Henry Smith on May 5 last year.

However, he denies assault by beating against Mr Smith on May 5 last year and having an article with a blade or point in a public place (Old Hollow) - a black-handled kitchen knife with a blade of 12cm on May 6 last year.

The defence application was granted to adjourn the case to explore in more detail the defendant's mental health following his 'deterioration'.

140 weapons surrendered in Worcester this month

Weapons handed in at the Knife Angel.  

This shocking selection of blades shows the deadly weapons that have been taken off the streets this month.

People have handed over 140 weapons at the knife amnesty box in front of the Knife Angel statue, according to police.

Read More: The deadly blades that have been surrendered at the Knife Angel

The knife amnesty box, in Cathedral Square, is a secure, guarded location where anyone with a weapon can dispose of it safely, ensuring that it will be taken off the streets.