Christmas revellers urged to think of consequences of violence as One Punch campaign launches

Christmas revellers are being urged to think of the consequences of any potential violence this festive season.

As the holidays approach, One Punch UK has launched its Punched Out Cold campaign, which is now in its 11th year. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the devastation one punch can cause, and urges people to think about the long-term consequences of their actions.

One Punch UK hopes to get every police force in the UK supporting the campaign so the hard-hitting poster and important message reaches as many people as possible. Last year, the poster was viewed more than 4.6 million times on social media, something the campaign hopes to double this year.

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Speaking at the launch of the campaign at the Quadrus Centre in Boldon on Thursday, Chief Superintendent Jo Park-Simmons, said: "Violence is never acceptable. We see day-to-day the impact violence and the tragic consequences that can have.

"We are absolutely committed to reducing violence and that type of crime. One punch can ruin lives, not just yours but countless others. If you are socialising this Christmas, please think about your actions and think about others.

"If you get into any kind of altercation, please control your anger, turn away and walk away. It can have such an impact on other people's lives and please do not let that split second reaction have a lifelong affect on your life. I would also urge parents and carers, if you've got children who are going to go out and socialise, please have a conversation with them about serious violence and the tragic consequences that can have."

Those who attended the launch involved Maxine Thompson-Curl, CEO of One Punch UK and Mick Urwin, a retired police sergeant involved with alcohol and violence. Representatives from Durham, Northumberland, and Cleveland Police forces also attended.

Campaigner and CEO of One Punch UK, Maxine Thompson-Curl, whose son Kristian Thompson died after an unprovoked one punch attack in 2010, said: “This campaign is so important to educate people what a single punch can do and the devastation it can cause."