Liverpool virtual reality films show reality of stabbing

Knife crime campaigners hope virtual reality technology will help them get their message across about what it’s really like after a stabbing.

A number of gripping films have been created; one of them offers advice on how to effectively use bleeding control kits to save the life of a stabbing victim.

The technology was demonstrated at a special event for secondary school students at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium.

Matt Littler, founder of technology firm ARK Immersive, which developed the films, said he wanted young people to leave the session “knowing what (knife crime) does to the people left behind”.

The developers worked with Knifesavers, a charity founded by trauma surgeon Nikhil Misra.

In his spare time, Mr Misra and his colleagues give talks and run training sessions on knife crime.

They are also pushing for bleeding control packs to be placed in public places, including schools, across Merseyside.

The films show the perspective of first responders facing horrific scenes.

Families of the victims also appear to have suffered trauma or pain in the weeks and months after the stabbing.

Mr Misra told the BBC: “From our perspective as doctors, nurses and surgeons at the major trauma centre, we see the devastation of a single stab wound and we want to communicate the impact of that to everyone.”

The Anfield event was organized by campaign groups kNOwKnifeCrime and Knifesavers, alongside the charity LFC Foundation.

kNOwKnifeCrime founder Laura Hughes has a deeply personal reason for joining.

His brother is 21 years old Colin McGintyHe was stabbed to death in Bootle in 2001, following confusion.

“If Colin had died in the current year it might not have made the headlines,” he told BBC News. “Or it might make headlines, but only for a minute.

“This is because knife crime is more prevalent than ever before, which is why the campaign was born.”

Ms Hughes said it was vital that young children were told about the effects of carrying knives.

“The reason I choose to work with primary schools is because they are little sponges and are much more receptive to getting your message,” he said.

“Once you get into middle school, sometimes you get a little too cool for school.”