Statement from Police and Crime Committee Chairman on 9 violent crime deaths in a week

Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee said:

“It is absolutely tragic that nine people have been fatally stabbed and shot in London in the last week.

This simply can’t go on. The Mayor and the Metropolitan Police need to get a grip. People are dying on the streets and tough action needs to be taken to stop the carnage now. Politicians and health representatives meeting at City Hall today need to urgently address this issue and find a way to educate young people. £1.4 million has been pledged by the Mayor to go towards a number of community and anti-knife crime projects to help prevent people from getting involved in knife crime.
The Police & Crime Committee wants clear and robust action. These types of crime need a distinct and specific approach, that doesn’t just focus on gangs. Something must be done about both knives and guns on London’s streets because this can’t keep happening in our city.”