Barnaby Webber's mother gives speech at Weston's Knife Angel unveiling

Designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC), Knife Angel, a 27-foot-tall statue, has been created from blades confiscated by the UK's 43 police forces. 

Its arrival to 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.

Residents were invited to an unveiling ceremony yesterday at the Italian Gardens, where they listened to speeches from Emma Webber, the mother of 19-year-old Barnaby from Taunton, who was fatally stabbed in Nottingham, as well as the High Sheriff of Somerset and Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community.

Weston's Knife Angel unveiling. (Image: NQ staff)

Barnaby was stabbed and killed in the early hours of June 13 along with his friend Grace O'Malley-Kumar.

School caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was also killed by Valdo Calocane in the attacks.

At the start of her emotional speech, Emma acknowledged the prevalence of knife crime, referencing teenager Daniel Anjorin who died after a man with a sword stabbed multiple people in London on April 30.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo is due to appear in court following the incident.

Emma said: "I want to take a moment to acknowledge the utter tragedy that took place in London yesterday, I was in the city myself when the news was breaking.

"Once more, one individual has brought utter havoc, chaos and devastation upon an innocent community.

"The 14-year-old victim went to the same school as my son's dearest friend Grace, who was fatally stabbed alongside him last year.

"I know all too well how the families of those who suffered yesterday are feeling."

Emma continued: "Barnaby's life was lost and his future was stolen, along with the heart and soul of our family, broken by a senseless and cruel premeditated knife attack.

"Why?

"I'm sure that's a question asked by so many people suffering as we are.

"Why him? He wasn't dealing drugs, he wasn't involved in gangs or in any type of altercation.

"The why I want an answer to must be asked of our authorities and our Government. Why is the epidemic of knife crime in this country not being properly addressed?

"If you carry a knife in England and Wales and happen to be caught, it is very unlikely you will receive anything more than a stern warning and possibly a confiscation.

"If you are caught with an unlicensed gun however, you are almost certain to be arrested and charged for carrying a lethal weapon."

Emma added that Barnaby's favourite place in Weston was the pier.