Huge support for Express & Star killer blades campaign as thousands pledge support
More than 4,000 people have backed an Express & Star campaign calling for a ban on the sale of deadly knives.
It comes after the mother of stab victim Keelan Wilson demanded the Government change the law around the sale of knives following the 15-year-old’s death.
Kelly Ellitts has now joined the Express & Star in calling on Home Secretary Sajid Javid to review legislation regarding the sales of knives, swords, machetes and other weapons.
A petition has already gathered more than 4,100 signatures, with the numbers pledging their support rising on the hour.
The campaign was launched in the wake of an investigation into the sale of weapons.
We found lethal weapons, including a ‘long reach’ machete, can be purchased from shops in the Black Country – with only an ID required.
An address is asked for at the point of purchase, but not checked against a utility bill or driver’s licence.
Eight people have already been stabbed to death in the West Midlands in 2018 and arrests for knife possession are at their highest ever level.
Violent crime across the region is up 30 per cent in the last nine years, according to the Home Office, with an 11 per cent rise in the last year alone.
The online petition has seen a surge of support this week after it has been shared across various social media outlets, with around 3,500 having signed the petition last night – with the numbers rising by the hour.
The campaign has also been backed by political leaders across the region, including Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence, Dudley council leader Patrick Harley, Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden and Dudley North MP Ian Austin.
