It must start with education: Schools on knife arches after killer is sentenced

The bid to tackle rising knife crime at schools across the country must start with education, according to a leading academies trust in Leeds.

- by Alex Grant

GORSE Academies Trust, which is responsible for 15 primary and secondary schools across the city, said "all possible solutions" would be considered to tackle knife crime, including walkthrough metal detectors known as knife arches.

The introduction of knife arches is one of a number of options being considered as part of a national campaign, led by Caroline and Mark Willgoose, whose 15-year-old son Harvey died after being stabbed in the chest at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, in February.

Harvey was fatally stabbed with a 13cm serrated hunting knife, by his classmate Mohammed Umar Khan, also 15, who was sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday.

A GORSE spokesperson told the YEP: "Harvey's death was a tragedy and an appalling waste of a young life so full of promise. Every day our hearts are with his family, who have shown such dignity and strength, and with the families of all victims of knife crime.

"Knife crime is a dreadful blight and it is right that all possible solutions to eradicate it are considered. We believe a three-pronged response is required. Prevention and intervention are two vital elements, but it must start with education. We hold sessions with all our students so they are fully educated as to the risks and dangers of knife crime."