FRANKIE Adams and Karis Daniels have one message for young people in the city: stop carrying knives before another young person is killed.

Blayne Ridgway’s father and sister have backed Operation Blade, which is being launched today, because they want some good to come out of the death.

The five-day campaign, supported by the Oxford Mail, aims to stop young people getting involved with blades.

Police figures show there were 133 knife crimes in Oxford in 2010-11, down from 141 the previous year and 150 in 2008-9.

But Detective Inspector Simon Morton, who is behind the campaign, has warned knives are being increasingly used in the most violent crime in Oxford.

Incidents including wounding, endangering life and grievous bodily harm without intent jumped 25 per cent between 2009-10 and 2010-11, from 85 to 107 offences.

Mr Adams, 48, of Bullingdon Road, Cowley, has been battling bone cancer for two years and said he does not want his son’s death to be in vain.

He said: “The message is simple: carrying knives ruins lives. Blayne had a young child and the whole family has been devastated by his death. We all miss him so much.

“Young people need to start understanding the damage caused by carrying and using knives.

“If anything good can come out of Blayne’s death, it will be that other lives are saved.”

The week will include talks by ex-offenders, knife arches at pubs and clubs, more officers on patrol and theatre productions highlighting the anti-knife message.

Miss Daniels, 25, of Wood Farm said: “The message just isn’t getting through.

“I don’t associate with people who carry knives, but I know people who do.

“I remember receiving the phone call from a friend on the night Blayne was killed, and the next two weeks were the worst of my life.

“If someone carries a knife it is very likely the weapon will be used on them.

“There is no need for it, and young people need to start understanding this.”

Det Insp Morton said there will also be “pro-active” police operations targeting young people carrying knives.

He said: “Something good has to come from the futility of Blayne’s death and I think it’s really important that local people can see the devastation knife crime can cause.

“It was a waste of a young and promising life. I’m amazed by the strength of the family in supporting our campaign.”