It has been more than three years since the shocking murder of Sunderland teenager Connor Brown and every day his family feels the devastating pain of losing him.
Connor was just 18 when he was stabbed and killed near Sunderland's Gatsby's pub while on a night out in February 2019.
One man was handed a life sentence after being found guilty of murdering the teenager, while a second was jailed after being convicted of manslaughter. Both admitted possession of a knife in a public place.
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Connor's heartbroken parents, Tanya and Simon, set up the Connor Brown Trust to raise awareness of knife crime and now the family is backing a police campaign urging the public to hand over any knives they fear could fall into the wrong hands.
“The impact Connor’s death has had on us as a family has been truly devastating on a daily basis," mum Tanya said.
"It never leaves you, it never gets any easier and the pain is real. Please stop and think.
“The Connor Brown Trust works tirelessly with young people to educate them on the impact knife crime has on families, friends, and communities."
Tanya's message comes as Northumbria Police launches a national week of action known as Operation Sceptre to reiterate the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. During the awareness week, which runs from November 14 to November 20, officers will be carrying out a range of activities from knife searches and targeting suspects to delivering educational inputs in schools and universities.
Surrender bins have also been placed at seven stations across the force, with members of the public encouraged to hand over any knives or sharp objects which they fear could fall into the wrong hands.
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent, Helena Barron, the force's serious violence and knife crime lead, has welcomed the week of action – and said the force is committed to tackling knife crime.
“Our message to anyone who carries a knife is a simple one – you risk destroying more than one life," she said.
“The impact of carrying a knife can be devastating, with lives lost, loved ones left heartbroken and futures ruined. There can never be an acceptable reason to carry a knife or any kind of weapon and we would urge those who believe otherwise to think again.”
Surrender bins are now in place until November 20 at the following stations: Forth Banks, Middle Engine Lane, Southwick, Bedlington, Millbank, Gateshead and Hexham.
If you have information about someone who is in possession of a prohibited weapon or want to report any suspicious activity, contact Northumbria Police on the 'Tell Us Something' page of its website. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.
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