Family's plea for complete ban on knives

GRIEVING PARENTS CALL FOR END TO SCOURGE OF STREETS

- STEPHEN TOPPING

THE GRIEVING family of Nathaniel Shani have called for a meeting with mayor Andy Burnham as they demand action to finally end the scourge of knife crime.

Greater Manchester has endured a string of tragedies caused by stabbings over recent years, while offences involving blades have risen nationwide.

Nathaniel was just 14 years old when he was stabbed in an alleyway off Tavistock Square, in Harpurhey, on September 15 last year.

Two boys, included one who admitted stabbing Nathaniel, were convicted of his murder.

In a heartbreaking statement read following their sentencing on Thursday, Nathaniel's family described the pain they have endured in the months that followed the tragedy, causing 'sleepless nights' and 'uncontrollable tears.