The Knife Angel sculpture has become a powerful symbol in the fight against violence - and its message to Bury is more relevant than ever this week after a spate of alarming crimes.
The 27-foot winged figure, which sits near the intersection of The Rock and Tithebarn Street until Wednesday, March 27, was crafted from more than 100,000 confiscated knives and blades is described as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime.
Unveiled in 2018 at the British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire, the Knife Angel's impact was immediate.
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The towering figure, with its bladed wings and sorrowful gaze, resonated deeply with the public.
It became a place for reflection and a starting point for crucial conversations about the root causes of violence and the need for preventative measures.
The decision to embark on a national tour ensured the monument's message would be heard across the UK.
Each new location provides a platform for local communities to engage with the issue of violence.
Read more: Fourth teenager arrested after town centre stabbing
In Bury, police and local agencies are using the Knife Angel’s visit to engage with community groups and schools on knife crime prevention, which is more important than ever following the violence that has taken place in the borough.
On Monday, three young men were stabbed near Bury Market and were left with injuries that were described as not life-threatening. Four teenagers have been arrested in relation to the incident
Read more: Fourth teenager arrested after town centre stabbing
Police have said there have been a "number of violent incidents since Monday evening", including an "offender" lunging at someone with a knife at Whitefield Metrolink stop on Wednesday at 11pm.
Read more: 'Offender' lunged at someone with knife at Whitefield Metrolink stop
And on Thursday night at 8.40pm an incident "involving a group of males with knives" took place on Parkhills Road.
Police say an "altercation" took place and officers were called but no injuries were caused.
A 40-year-old man and three 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in police custody for questioning.
Read more: Teens and man arrested after 'knife altercation' as stop and search powers extended
Police have been granted stop and search powers covering cover parts of Bury town centre, Whitefield and the Metrolink lines this week, which have been extended until this afternoon, Saturday, to "help prevent further incidents".
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On Friday, Superintendent Mike Walsh from Greater Manchester Police's Bury district said: “While we appreciate that local members of the community who live and work in the area will be concerned, we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“We are trying to establish why these incidents have happened, when we have an update to provide more of a comment, we will.
“Please be assured that there will be continued police presence in the above areas, these officers are here to keep you safe. If you have any concerns or questions, they will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.”
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