Star Idris leads the fight against knife crime hell

TOP ACTOR Idris Elba is launching an intense three-month campaign to tackle the youth knife crime epidemic blighting this country.

- Jon Austin

The TV and film star, 51, who was in The Wire and played detective Luther in the BBC's hit series, will demand action from the Government to stem the bloodshed that saw 18 teenagers stabbed and two shot in London in 2023.

His Knives Down campaign will be launched outside Parliament tomorrow, where he will be joined by grieving relatives of victims.

It is understood King Charles has expressed interest in supporting the campaign.

Others set to lend their backing include London Mayor Sadiq Khan, celebrities plus the families of many victims.

The campaign follows a spate of knife murders, including Harry Pitman, 16, stabbed to death while watching fireworks in Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve, and Elianne Andam, 15, who was stabbed to death on her way to school in Croydon in September.