Luton is set to be at the centre of a new Channel 4 documentary examining the online trade in so-called zombie-style knives and the devastating consequences of their use before the weapons were outlawed.
Zombie-style knives and machetes were banned across England and Wales on 24 September 2024, making it illegal to manufacture, supply, sell, possess or import them, following a month-long surrender scheme.
The first episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody Investigates… introduces a new format for the long-running series, which will be aired on Channel 4 on Tuesday 20 January at 9pm. The show will focus on how the weapons, often designed and marketed to appeal to young people, were sold and later used in fatal attacks, including one in Luton, before a nationwide ban came into force in 2024.
The documentary follows Bedfordshire Police officers during the national surrender scheme, which saw more than 37,000 zombie-style knives handed in across Bedfordshire. Two companies based in Luton were responsible for surrendering the weapons locally, underlining the town’s direct link to the issue and the scale of the trade that existed before the ban.
One of the cases featured is the killing of 16-year-old Ashraf Habimana, who was stabbed to death in a Luton car park on 29 September 2023 when a fight escalated after college. Seven teenagers were later sentenced in connection with his death, with one receiving a life sentence for murder. The programme explores the profound impact the killing had on his mother and family.
Superintendent Alex House, Bedfordshire Police’s knife crime lead, said: “This documentary offers a powerful and unflinching insight into the devastating reality of knife crime.
“It shows just how dangerous and destructive zombie-style knives are and why it is so important that we work together to stop them falling into the hands of young people.
“Strong partnerships across services play a vital role in addressing root causes and supporting a long-term, preventative approach to knife crime.
“I hope this programme delivers a clear message directly to young people about the very real risks and consequences of purchasing or carrying a knife, and encourages them to surrender any weapons, seek support and ultimately to Just Drop It.”
Advice and support for those looking to stop carrying knives is available via the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership at bedsvepp.
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