This is the lasting impact knife crime has on victims

A brave mum has spoken of the lasting impact knife crime has had on her family, a year after her son survived an attack.

Speaking in court, Sarah Ward revealed she has anxiety attacks and her daughter still has flashbacks.

Leicestershire Police have released her 'emotional letter' - which was read out in court during the attacker's trial this month - as part of their Lives Not Knives campaign.

In the letter, Ms Ward said:

Leicestershire Police's knife campaign aims to reduce the number of knife-related incidents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Ms Ward is now working with the force to raise awareness of the damages knife crime can cause.