THE ROB KNOX FOUNDATION, FIGHTING KNIFE CRIME

Charlie Hall talks to film director Aaron Truss about his documentaries on knife crime, remembering his friendship with Rob Knox and his role as a trustee of the foundation

It is truly unnerving to see the increase in knife-related crime that is spreading across the UK and according to the Office for National Statistics it has risen by 4% in England and Wales in the year ending June 2024. In 18% of the cases, offenders were juveniles aged between just 10 and 17 years of age, and an average of four people are being fatally stabbed each week.

The trauma these acts of violence cause, not just to the victims but the families and loved ones is distressing and life changing, especially when lives are lost. The ripple effect of the tragedies imprint on all of those involved, including the emergency service workers who have to handle the consequences.

In 2007, up-and-coming teen star Rob Knox landed his biggest role as Ravenclaw’s Marcus Belby in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Four days after filming had finished in May 2008, Rob went out to celebrate with his brother and friends in Sidcup, when his life was unexpectedly taken from him in a horrendous knife attack. Rob was only 18-years-old with his whole life and acting career ahead of him, he was an inspiration to family and friends and made a big impression on many others.

Picturehouse Central, Photo by Kathy Janet Wieczorek

Rob’s parents, Colin and Sally, set up The Rob Knox Foundation to remember their son and ensure he did not die in vain. Close friend and film director Aaron Truss later joined them as a trustee. The goal of the foundation is to raise funds to educate young people about the dangers of street violence, the importance of respect and making the right choices.

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