A shocked dad said his son was given a toy knife at an emergency services open day. Emergency services are investigating after the boy was given the plastic weapon at Shoreham fire station's open day - saying it "does not align" with their values. Dad Thomas Evans said the imitation blade - complete with a knuckleduster handle - was "inappropriate and does not teach children well" after it was dished out as a prize inside a police badge and handcuff set.
He took to social media to share his fury at the emergency services who organised the event, in light of recent stabbings which have claimed the lives of several young people. My son went to a Fire and Police open day earlier. They had stands and fun games with rewards.
As a reward my son got a police style hand cuff and badge set. In the set was this knife. Plastic of course.
But surely inappropriate and doesn't teach children well @sussex_police ?? pic.twitter.com/4ZqHeD7Awb — Thomas Evans ♿ 🇬🇧 #Kemi4Leader (@ThomasEvansAdur) August 17, 2024 Hundreds of families descended on Shoreham Fire Station last weekend for its annual open day, with live demonstrations, games and stalls showcasing the work of the emergency services.
But after his son took part in a game and received the police set as a prize - dad Thomas took the serrated plastic cutter away before he could be influenced. Sussex Police said that although they had officers at the event, they were not aware of the kits being handed out, and were the responsibi.