THE WIDOW of Justin Skrebowski, who was tragically stabbed to death in Poundland, has demanded that retailers change their knife policy.

Gulsen Alkan, who turned 39 on December 7 - the day her husband was attacked in the Abingdon branch - has previously kept quiet about the fateful day. 

But now the North Oxford mother-of-two is campaigning to prevent other families falling victim to the grief which "broke her heart".

In the petition, she wrote: "Justin went to Poundland in Abingdon to buy some balloons for our small children.

"It's hard to believe that it was that easy to pick up a knife. That's why I've started this petition to urge retailers to review how knives are displayed."

She said it was dangerous that knives were so easily-accessible. 

She added: "Some shops lock knives in cases but many do not. I think all shops should put knives in locked cases behind the counter, or in secure packaging, so they cannot easily be taken and used.

"Cigarettes are kept out of sight behind the counter; are cigarettes more dangerous than knives?

"It breaks my heart that I wasn't there for my husband when he was killed. I want to do something now."

She appealed to the British Retail Consortium, which represents high-street retailers, to create safety guidelines relating to knife sales for shops to sign up to. She hoped to get the backing of the Home Office.

The petition, set up two days ago and addressed to home secretary Theresa May, already has more than 1000 signatures from people all over the world. 

It includes what is thought to be the first picture released of Mr Skrebowski, an antiques dealer and father-of-two who died aged 61, leaving his wife to bring up their three-year-old twins. 

Earlier this week police revealed that their home in Buckler Road had been targeted by burglars, who made off with sentimental heirlooms little more than a month after the stabbing. 

Oxford Mail: Nicola Blackwood

Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, who grilled David Cameron about knife safety in the aftermath of the attack, has already expressed support in a tweet.

Other supporters include 'Joanna Street', who commented: "Justin was an amazing friend and mentor, taken from us too soon and in such an awful way. I urge everyone to sign this petition. Although it won't bring him back, it will be a step in the right direction to ensure that this never happens again"

'John Beauclerk' added: "Justin and his young family were the best neighbours imaginable. Preventive measures are necessary to make sure random attacks are kept to the minimum possible. I fully support the measures proposed in this petition."

It is not the first petition to be set up in relation to the stabbing - in December Bicester resident Sharon Kirkwood, who was traumatised after witnessing the attack, campaigned for the same cause. 

Elizabeth Kittle, spokeswoman for Poundland, said the chain had no comment. 

Trevor Joyce, 36, of Franklyn Close in Abingdon, has been charged with murder.