A photograph of US singer Katy Perry posing with a knife has sparked a furious reaction from anti-violence campaigners.

It's understood that the image, taken by fashion photographer Terry Richardson, was intended for Perry's album 'One of the Boys', but eventually overlooked.

The publication of the photo comes days after a 16-year-old army cadet was stabbed outside a Liverpool Youth Club.

The attack is the latest in a string of violent offences which have raised fears about the safety of Britain's streets.

Richard Taylor, the father of murdered school boy Damilola Taylor, condemned the photograph of Perry, suggesting it did nothing but glamorise knife culture.

He told the Sun newspaper: "This woman's behaviour is unacceptable. She must be out of her mind to pose for a picture like this.

“There is nothing glamorous about knives - they wreck families. Any youngsters seeing her will think it is ok to carry a blade."

Perry is no stranger to controversy. Her debut single, 'I Kissed A Girl', drew a mixed response when it was release during the summer.