Gang members carry knives to prove they're "someone"

Comment from someone finding out about this blog:

"It is a growing problem and something that largely goes unreported or is toned down in the media.

"There was an attack in 2005 on two students in Essex, totally unprovoked, and one of them died from a stab wound.

"There was footage that you could download and I think one programme actually showed the stabbing but I don't think people are aware of how much damage knives can do and the majority of offenders carry them without setting out with the intention of using them.

"If you've seen the footage it really hits home how such a small incident, that the offenders probably thought would result in the victims being hurt and nothing more, can result in tragedy.

"There is a definite culture among certain groups, and members of those groups carry knives and weapons to prove that they're part of that group.

"But I think the majority of actual incidents where someone gets stabbed are the result of a relatively small issue getting totally out of control and, hopefully, offenders feel genuine regret afterwards.

"But if footage like that of these boys being stabbed was shown to a bigger audience and on a much more regular basis, also including the consequences to both victims (and families) and offenders, then people would begin to understand how deadly knives are.

"There is an argument that showing footage like this would desensitise people to it and possibly the crime, but having seen it - and knowing that the boy died from it - I think that's impossible.

"I'll pass this link on - think it strikes a chord with a lot of people!"