This afternoon, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP, Ashok Kumar attended the launch of a new DVD aimed at young people and warning them of the dangers, death, injury and harm that knife crime can cause.

The DVD was launched by Councillor Barbara Dunne, who tragically lost her son through knife crime, and who founded the Teesside based ‘Mothers Against Knives’ network. The launch will be held at Whinney Banks Youth Club at 2.00 p.m.

Ashok said “The Youth Club should be congratulated on their work in commissioning this DVD which is intended to be widely distributed in outlets such as youth centres and schools. The DVD was made by young people themselves and complements perfectly the government’s own work in highlighting the need to combat knife crime and curbing the carrying of bladed weapons on the streets.” Commenting after the performance, he was amazed, saying that “I was very impressed by the dedication of young people who care deeply about society and want to make their contribution towards ensuring that Middlesbrough becomes a safer place to live.”

“Barbara, who has first hand experience of the pain and suffering that knife crime brings, has worked closely with the young people at the Centre and with the workers there to get this project up and running.. I understand that this DVD will be distributed to other Youth Clubs and Centres on Teesside and I am sure it will be a potent tool in the fight against knife crime.”