A NEW anti-knife crime video targeting teenage boys has been released warning of the consequences to their family of carrying a knife.

 

The short five-minute film features first time actors showing how a teenager ends up taking a knife out one evening and stabbing another boy.

It then shows the boy's father, mother and family members bleeding from the stomach to illustrate how their lives are also destroyed by their son becoming a killer.

Connor Newall, 16 from Govan, plays the lead role and said his cousin was murdered trying to break up a fight almost 20 years ago.

Connor was approached when the casting directors visited his School Trinity High in Renfrew looking for boys to take part.

He said: "Obviously it was before I was born but my family have told me all about it and know how it has affected them.

"I hope when people my age see the film they learn from it and don't make the wrong decision and pick up a knife. If they do they don't just affect themselves, they affect their family and others around them."

The film is part of the No Knives Better Lives campaign funded by the Scottish Government.

Justice Secretary, Michael Matheson, watched a screening in the Ashgill Recreation Centre in Milton in Glasgow.

He said: " We believe the best way to tackle violence is prevention through education and it is hoped that this short film will play an important role in showing knife crime can devastate not only an individual but also their family friends and their community."

Warning the following video is not recommended for viewers under the age of 15.