Everton in the Community and Merseyside Police launch groundbreaking VR knife crime initiative

A virtual reality (VR) project has been delivered to more than 1,000 young people in Merseyside, educating them on the realities and consequences of carrying a knife. 

The immersive experience was developed by Everton in the Community (EitC), Ludovico and Juice Immersive, with funding from Merseyside Police and the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell.

The 360-degree VR experience helps young people explore the dangers and potential consequences of carrying a knife from a first-person perspective.

Filmed at a local location in Stanley Park, and featuring actors from across Liverpool City Region and EitC programmes – the piece has been shaped and developed by the charity’s participants to maximise an authentic experience which relates to young people living in Merseyside.

Participants are invited to make decisions in response to what they witness, with their choices shaping the outcome of the experience. The aim is to help them understand the dangers and long-term impact of carrying a knife.

Merseyside Police officers feature in the VR experience, lending authenticity to the scenarios and helping to reinforce the real-world consequences of knife crime. Officers also supported the development of the project, ensuring it reflects the challenges they face on the frontline and some of the situations that young people may encounter.

The success of the project was celebrated at an event hosted by EitC, coinciding with the launch of Sceptre (19-25 May 2025), the national week of action targeting knife crime for UK police forces.

This initiative has been funded by Merseyside Police and the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, through the Hotspot Response Fund – a government-backed programme aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and serious violence in identified hotspot areas.

Before reiterating the success of the initiative, the room also heard about EitC and Merseyside Police’s next step in their partnership with a new criminal exploitation VR experience due to be introduced.

EitC’s Youth Inclusion Manager, Jen Harden said:

“Our in-depth track record of working with young people from all walks of the city at Everton in the Community enables us to know how to deliver these key positive messages effectively to our participants. Our latest project with Merseyside Police is another example of that, through utilising fantastic technological innovation which brings that message to life in a captivating, and ground-breaking way.

“This piece not only enforces an important message to young people in a unique and powerful way, it also amplifies our vital strategic partnership with Merseyside Police which aims to build stronger communities and tackle key social issues prevalent in our region. We’re now entering into the next, exciting step of the partnership through a new 360-degree immersive experience which is reiterating another crucial life lesson to young people.

Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside’s Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime said:

“This innovative VR project is a powerful tool in our efforts to prevent knife crime. By immersing young people in realistic, first-person scenarios, it helps them understand the real-life consequences of carrying a knife in a way that’s both impactful and thought-provoking.

“We are proud to support this initiative alongside Everton in the Community, and it’s encouraging to see so many young people across Merseyside engaging with it. Education and early intervention are key to keeping our communities safe, and projects like this are vital in helping young people make informed, positive choices.”

Sceptre

Throughout this week, officers will continue their work to tackle knife crime and use it as an opportunity to engage with communities. 

A number of proactive operations will take place, including stop searches, weapons sweeps, search warrants and the deployment of knife detection arches.

Officers will also be conducting high-visibility patrols in the areas most affected by knife crime and antisocial behaviour. These patrols have contributed to a 30% reduction in serious violence (145 fewer offences) in these areas during the 2024-25 financial year.

As well as targeting serious or repeat offenders, the patrols act as a deterrent and provide opportunities for officers to engage with the public. 

A knife surrender will run across Merseyside from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 May 2025.Drop-off points will be available at General Enquiry Offices in 10 police stations across Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral. Every knife surrendered is one less potentially dangerous weapon on the streets of Merseyside.

Superintendent Phil Mullally added: “Sceptre gives us a vital opportunity to highlight the proactive work we are doing to tackle knife crime. This includes conducting weapon sweeps, high-visibility patrols, delivering educational talks in schools, and working closely with retailers to ensure responsible sales practices.

“Our commitment to removing knives from our streets remains unwavering, and we urge the public to report any concerns about individuals carrying weapons in their community. 

“But this week is about more than just enforcement – it’s about prevention, education, and engagement. One of our top priorities is steering young people away from knife crime. We’re doing this by collaborating with partner agencies and charities, including the Violence Reduction Partnership, to identify those at risk and support them in making positive life choices.”

Meanwhile, the Police and Crime Commissioner, in partnership with the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership has recently relaunched the groundbreaking Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES Fund) for a second year.

They are inviting community groups, charities and third sector organisations to submit their bids for projects which will support young people, through programmes offering arts, culture and sports programmes. For the first time, this year, there is also a call for projects which can offer young people digital skills, helping them to stay safe online, recognise mis-and dis-information and protect themselves virtually.

Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 are available for projects and programmes which give young people under 25, the opportunity to gain valuable skills and qualifications, build their confidence and make positive decisions for the future.

The money will be focused in areas of Merseyside which have seen the highest levels of violence and the biggest cuts to youth services, with the aim of keeping young people safe and supported and helping to steer them away from trouble.

All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by close of play on Friday 6th June 2025. Please visit their website to apply – Youth Empowerment Scheme – CFM

Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, their families, and our communities. 

“Preventing and tackling knife crime remains a top priority for Merseyside Police and whilst we are seeing a reduction in incidents over the past year, we cannot become complacent. There is still much for us all to do. 

“Enforcement alone is not the solution. We are committed to changing outcomes and that’s why our Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, is dedicated to funding initiatives that educate young people about the severe consequences of carrying a knife, while also addressing the root causes of serious violence.

“We are always looking for new ways to reach more young people and virtual reality is a great example of how we can harness technology to create engaging experiences that connect with them on a level they are familiar with, to deliver powerful messages that prevent incidents before they occur, ultimately saving lives.    

“There is never a valid reason to carry a knife. Each one surrendered is one less on our streets. I urge you to hand in offensive weapons at one of the designated drop-off points across Merseyside.

“If you suspect someone may be carrying a knife, please speak out. You can do so anonymously, and your actions could save a life.”

How to report

If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, you can report any concerns on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via X on @MerPolCC. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously. 

If you are a young person worried about knife crime, or are involved with it already, it is not too late to get help. You can talk to your teacher, or another adult or professional you trust – there is plenty of support available.

If you are nervous about talking to the police, you can contact independent charity Fearless 100% anonymously. Anonymous means that your identity is completely unknown. Reporting information, no matter how big or small, helps to keep your friends, family and community safe. Visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless or call 0800 555 111.

Anyone affected by crime can request support from the Victim Care Merseyside Hub by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm. Alternatively, a contact form can be submitted at www.victimcaremerseyside.org at any time.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.