A CHARITY set up after the death of a teenager has spoken out about the “alarming” rise in violent crime across the country.

The Connor Saunders Foundation says it is doing all it can to reduce the number of stabbings.

The foundation was set up by Connor’s family in memory of the 19-year-old who was killed by a single punch during a night out in 2012.

Since then it has worked to promote peace throughout Sussex, encouraging all to use their hands to help rather than hurt”.

Home Office figures show a 12 per cent increase in recorded offences involving knives or sharp instruments.

It is estimated more than 100 such crimes a day are recorded across the UK.

The foundation said: “When the Saunders family see this, they don’t register the numbers – they think of the families involved and the impact that this has on the many unrecorded people of these crimes, a fact they know all too personally.”

Connor’s mother Darran, who lives in Woodingdean, Brighton, said: “This rising trend in violence is alarming and our preventative approach and actions have never been more vital or needed.

“We truly believe that educating the next generation is the best way to prevent it continuing and if it means we have to use our personal story to stop the next young person losing their life then that is what we will do.”

The foundation organises anti-violence workshops and first aid training for schools, colleges and clubs.

Its programmes have reached more than 7,000 students plus clubs and other community groups.

Darran said: “Connor was a remarkable son and young man – full of promise, love and laughter and was always thinking of other people.

“Connor’s final gift for others was that he had registered as an organ donor at the age of 16. His final gift of life was to change the lives of five strangers he would never meet. It is this selflessness that we continue to this day.

“If it stops just one person from raising a fist or clenching a knife, preventing the devastation we have known as a family that it is truly worthwhile.”

Courtney Saunders-Jones, Connor’s sister and chief executive of the foundation, said all could get involved in its “peaceful revolution”.

She said: “Whether you’d like our programme at your school, college or group or to get involved as a business or volunteer, our new website makes it easy to get in touch.

“We need ambassadors, fundraisers and donations to keep our mission strong so we can enable the next generation to match violence with peace and stop this rise in crime.”

The website is www.connors5.com.