Allen calls for an end to knife crime

British pop star Lily Allen has called for an end to the UK's spiralling knife crime epidemic.

The 'Smile' singer wants London to hold a benefit concert to bring people together in a show of unity against violence.

The number of stabbings involving teenagers has risen sharply in the British capital this year, and the recent killing of 16-year-old Ben Kinsella - brother of English soap opera actress Brooke - has made headlines in the country for the last two weeks.

Now Allen has joined in the calls for tougher action on those caught carrying a blade, insisting that London mayor Boris Johnson needs to do more to end the stabbings.

She writes on her Myspace internet page, "Please can everyone stop stabbing each other in the UK, it's really sad, my thoughts are with all the families affected by these heinous (sic) crimes.

"We need to have a knife amnesty, we should put on a big concert to raise awareness and stop the violence, Boris , if your (sic) listening, call me man."