The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner makes Essex gym 'safe haven' for those carrying knives

The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has made his boxing gym in Brentwood a "safe haven" to hand in knives anonymously - and has offered to personally pay the train fares for anyone coming from central London.

The 32-year-old entrepreneur, who has built a strong social media following since his appearance on The Apprentice in 2019, told followers at the start of the year that anyone feeling "pressured to carry a knife" could visit and speak to staff there for support.

His offer came after the fatal stabbings of 29-year-old Ahmed Jama in Abbey Road and teenager Harry Pitman in Primrose Hill last month.

Skinner said two knives were handed into the gym last weekend and hopes more will follow.

"In just a short span of time, we have already received two knives from individuals who have chosen to make a positive change," he told social media followers on Wednesday.

"It may seem like a small step, but it's a step towards fighting knife crime in our community.

"Here at Bosh Gym, we may be a small gym in Brentwood, Essex, but we firmly believe in doing our part to make a difference.

"This gym is a safe haven for everyone. It's a place where you can not only learn to box but also find people from all walks of life to connect with.

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"So, if you're carrying a knife and want to turn your life around, we invite you to save a knife and drop it in our amnesty box. No questions asked."

In previous tweets, Skinner said: "If coming to Brentwood is on the expensive side, I will personally pay for your train fare. It's just 25 minutes on the Elizabeth line from central London."

Youth worker Patrick Campbell, who is working as a mentor at Bosh Gym, told Greatest Hits Radio: "Everyone is carrying a knife because they're scared the next person is carrying a knife... people are genuinely scared."

Mr Campbell said he was providing young people visiting the gym with advice and information about the dangers of knife crime.