Knife Crime in West Yorkshire has more than doubled in the past 8 years, according to new figures.

Statistics show there were 2,674 serious crimes involving knives or sharp instruments in the county between 2018-19.

Knife related offences include attempted murder, threats to kill, and any situtation that involves a bladed article.

Overall police recorded crime in West Yorkshire rose from 265,520 to 296,283 last year.

Howard is a leading figure in Kirklees and has been actively working in the community for over 25 years. Howard set up the Conflict Resolutions initiative in 2017, mentoring young people in schools and the community. He also founded the award-winning Deighton Carnival, that’s now onto its 19th successful year.

Conflict Resolutions recognises the local services that have withdrawn, changed or restructured in the community, and are filling that void to work with young people and their families to help re-stabilise their future and encourage them to make positive life choices.

“Our long-term ambitions are to go into the judicial system, extending our work at Conflict Resolutions to the criminal justice program. Working towards going into prisons and speaking to young offenders, whilst partnering with other youth orientated groups to maximise our services and make a difference”.

Belafonte talks of his work in dettering young people out of crime in Kirklees (Audio Above)