Young musicians let music do the talking at a ‘battle of the bands’ to fight knife crime.

People in north-west London were invited to support students from Barnet, Brent and Harrow schools in a band competition organised by the Metropolitan Police.

The competition, which took place March 10, aimed to spread an anti-violence message across all three boroughs and is in support of the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity which fights against knife crime.

Police officers formed their own band called ‘The Real Police’ with one of their songs centred around the issue.

Neighbourhood and Partnership Policing Chief Inspector Adrian Needley said: “This is a fun event that allows the community to come together and relax.

“However, of course there is a serious message in all this too and we are reminding young people about the consequences of carrying knives which is sadly all too relevant today.”

Harrow Council's leader member for crime and community safety, Cllr Krishna Suresh, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to interact with the police and other members of the community and to support the worthy cause of campaigning against knife crime.”

Schools that took part include Hatch End High, Nower Hill, Bentley Wood High, Christ College Finchley, Finchley Catholic High School, St Mary’s and St Johns, Newman Catholic High and Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College.

The event took place at Elliot Hall in Hatch End. All proceeds went to the Ben Kinsella Trust.