Lancashire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has spoken about knife crime, 20 years after her brother was killed in a frenzied knife attack.

Lancashire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Kimberley Whitehead, has bravely spoken out about the devastating impacts of knife crime more than 20 years after the tragic death of her brother, as part of the national week of action to tackle knife crime.

In 2003, Marvin Whitehead was stabbed 18 times in a frenzied knife attack after a night out.

Following a five-day trial, a jury of 12 took just over an hour to find his attacker guilty of murder.

Kimberley has chosen to share her story during Sceptre Week, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s co-ordinated national response to knife crime, to highlight the lasting impact such violence has on families and communities.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Kimberley Whitehead said: “Over 20 years ago, I tragically lost my brother in a senseless and unprovoked attack.

“In the 23 years since, what happened to Marvin has shaped every decision I’ve made.

“Marvin was kind and hardworking. Even though I was younger, his gentle, laid-back nature meant I often felt protective of him. 

“No family should have to receive that knock at the door. No mother, father, sister, brother, or friend should have to carry that grief forever.

“Since then, I’ve worked to try and make a change, as a councillor and now as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I will continue using both my personal experience and public role to fight for safer streets, support victims and families, and ensure that fewer lives are lost to knife crime.

“During Sceptre Week, I urge everyone to stop and think before picking up a knife. Carrying a knife doesn’t protect you, it puts you at greater risk. It can destroy lives, including your own.”

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: “Knife crime is corrosive, and entirely preventable.

“I truly commend Kim for speaking out about her personal experience of knife crime, which has fuelled her desire to make positive change throughout her life and in her role as Deputy Commissioner

“Last year, Lancashire saw its lowest homicide levels in over a decade, with zero homicide victims under 25 for two consecutive years.

“But Kim’s story reminds us that one death is one too many.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to back the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network to strengthen collaboration, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure we see fewer victims.”

Anyone with any information regarding an individual carrying a knife can contact local police or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

To safely dispose of knives, blades or weapons, knife bins are installed across the county.

An interactive map of locations is available on the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network website here.