Police in knife crime hot-spots are to get powers that ministers say will reduce red tape when stopping people for informal questioning on the street.
Officers in 10 areas, including London, Manchester and Merseyside, will no longer have to fill out lengthy forms.
A second scheme to reduce forms needed to record actual crimes is also being introduced, says the Home Office.
Special forms for "stop and account" were introduced to combat racism, but police say they are bureaucratic.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the new stop-and-account measures would be introduced to the 10 "Tackling Knives Action Programme" areas from the end of October.
Officers will radio in the subject's ethnicity and hand over a card explaining how they should complain if they feel unfairly treated. The new measures will be rolled out nationally from next year.
Ms Smith said: "Giving police the means to dramatically reduce form-filling bureaucracy in these 10 priority areas will free up valuable officer time to further clamp down on knife crime.
"The recent Policing Green Paper set out radical plans to cut red tape to allow police to focus on the most serious crime and on local issues."
Police in the knife crime hot-spots have been given portable search arches and have increased street stops to identify people carrying blades.
In London, 77,000 searches since May have led to 3,300 arrests and the seizure of 2,200 knives.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Victim 'gentle, loving and kind'
The mother of a teenager stabbed to death outside a bar in south London says she forgives his killers and takes strength in her Christian faith.
Oliver Kingonzila, 19, died after being found with stab wounds outside the E Bar in Croydon on Saturday. Two men, both aged 18, have been arrested.
Today, his mother described Oliver as "the gentle one, very loving, very kind. He will be there to help you".
"I don't have room for bitterness because bitterness cannot take me to heaven," Mrs Kingonzila said. "Oliver is with Jesus, he was baptized and he is in heaven."
Oliver's father, Kimbeni Kingonzila echoed his wife's strength in her faith.
"We believe in Jesus," he said.
"By my own strength I cannot (forgive) because it is my baby. The spirit of God has told me to that I must forgive, so I forgive. These boys need Jesus."
Elodia Kingonzila, the victim's 22-year-old sister, said the knife crime in her south London community is now out of control.
"You cannot go out anymore, you are not safe. You could be sitting on the bus, somebody comes and starts an argument for a stupid reason - knife," she said before warning young people to stay away from nightclubs.
"Stay at home, clubbing is not a life, there's always knives everywhere you go these days."
Miss Kingonzila described her young brother as a joker who loved to laugh with his family and preen in front of the mirror before an evening out with friends.
"Ollie was a very outgoing person, he was always laughing," she said.
Oliver Kingonzila, 19, died after being found with stab wounds outside the E Bar in Croydon on Saturday. Two men, both aged 18, have been arrested.
Today, his mother described Oliver as "the gentle one, very loving, very kind. He will be there to help you".
"I don't have room for bitterness because bitterness cannot take me to heaven," Mrs Kingonzila said. "Oliver is with Jesus, he was baptized and he is in heaven."
Oliver's father, Kimbeni Kingonzila echoed his wife's strength in her faith.
"We believe in Jesus," he said.
"By my own strength I cannot (forgive) because it is my baby. The spirit of God has told me to that I must forgive, so I forgive. These boys need Jesus."
Elodia Kingonzila, the victim's 22-year-old sister, said the knife crime in her south London community is now out of control.
"You cannot go out anymore, you are not safe. You could be sitting on the bus, somebody comes and starts an argument for a stupid reason - knife," she said before warning young people to stay away from nightclubs.
"Stay at home, clubbing is not a life, there's always knives everywhere you go these days."
Miss Kingonzila described her young brother as a joker who loved to laugh with his family and preen in front of the mirror before an evening out with friends.
"Ollie was a very outgoing person, he was always laughing," she said.
Youths come up with knife amnesty
Young people have joined forces with police in a bid to crack down on knife crime on Teesside.
Cleveland Police force has set up a knife amnesty, after the move was suggested by the Stockton Youth Independent Advisory Group.
Chief Constable Sean Price said: "While we haven't yet seen the knife carrying culture here that exists in some other parts of the country, we aren't being complacent.
"Carrying a knife isn't cool. It's illegal and people found carrying knives will be prosecuted.
"People don't realise sometimes just how dangerous a knife can be. They can cause serious and even fatal injuries.
"We want to make the streets of Cleveland safer by removing as many as we can."
Cleveland Police force has set up a knife amnesty, after the move was suggested by the Stockton Youth Independent Advisory Group.
Chief Constable Sean Price said: "While we haven't yet seen the knife carrying culture here that exists in some other parts of the country, we aren't being complacent.
"Carrying a knife isn't cool. It's illegal and people found carrying knives will be prosecuted.
"People don't realise sometimes just how dangerous a knife can be. They can cause serious and even fatal injuries.
"We want to make the streets of Cleveland safer by removing as many as we can."
Anti-knife ad campaign launched
A campaign to tackle knife crime among London teenagers has been launched by the Metropolitan Police (Met).
The television, radio and poster adverts are part of Operation Blunt 2, which was launched in May to tackle the problem of youths carrying weapons.
Commander Simmons, head of Operation Blunt 2, said since May more than 1,900 knives have been seized through the use of search powers, intelligence from the community, and pro-active policing.
"This ad campaign is stark in its sombre message to young people about the consequences of carrying a knife," he said.
"Carrying and using a knife has dire consequences - both for the victim and their family and also you and your friends and family.
'If you carry a knife, you will be arrested and you will be charged and appear before the courts.
Knife crime will remain a priority for the Met, he said.
The television, radio and poster adverts are part of Operation Blunt 2, which was launched in May to tackle the problem of youths carrying weapons.
Commander Simmons, head of Operation Blunt 2, said since May more than 1,900 knives have been seized through the use of search powers, intelligence from the community, and pro-active policing.
"This ad campaign is stark in its sombre message to young people about the consequences of carrying a knife," he said.
"Carrying and using a knife has dire consequences - both for the victim and their family and also you and your friends and family.
'If you carry a knife, you will be arrested and you will be charged and appear before the courts.
Knife crime will remain a priority for the Met, he said.
Met's knife crime policy attacked
The Metropolitan Police has been criticised for its use of stop and search in tackling knife crime.
Laura Richards, former head of the Met's homicide prevention unit, told the BBC stop and search could make gangs stronger and the problem worse.
The Met defended its tactics, saying it had community support.
Last month the Met set up a special taskforce in London using stop and search, sending teams of officers into stabbing hotspots.
Ms Richards, a criminal behavioural psychologist, told BBC Radio 4's The Investigation using stop and search was a sticking plaster, and that it could push marginalised young men further into gang membership.
"We're seeing a number of guys committing the murders are already marginalised, already excluded and we are trying those kind of tactics on those individuals. I fear we just make the problem worse."
Ms Richards ran the homicide prevention unit for four years. The unit, which was formed in 2003, split knife murders into two categories - domestic and street attacks.
Domestic knife killers tended to be older and white, while those who committed street attacks were aged under 20 and disproportionately black.
Domestic killings have fallen dramatically in recent years, but street murders have been rising.
A four-year study by Ms Richards' unit had found almost 90% of knife killers had previously been known to police.
"Not only did we flag up problems, we flagged up solutions," she said.
The unit proposed a multi-agency approach targeted at offenders who ran the risk of escalating violent behaviour.
"You don't just wake up one morning and kill somebody," Ms Richards said.
However, the government has dismissed claims stop and search has made knife crime worse. Home Office minister Tony McNulty told the BBC there was much more to the policy.
"[We are] working with schools, education, trying to tackle that sort of cultural 'it's cool to carry a knife' type dimension," he said.
The policy has been more targeted and intelligence-led since June. About 1500 arrests have been made using Section 60 and other powers, he said.
Stop and search is part of a deterrence and awareness campaign, he added.
Keith Jarratt, a serving sergeant and a former president of the National Black Police Association, agreed stop and search was a good deterrent but just part of a strategy.
"If someone knows that they're likely to be stopped and searched, who is not a hardened criminal, they will stop carrying weapons, " he said.
Rose Fitzpatrick, deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, said stop and search was the right tactic.
"Stop and search is part of what we're doing but we're also sending a very visible message to young people that our aim is to keep them safe," she said.
Laura Richards, former head of the Met's homicide prevention unit, told the BBC stop and search could make gangs stronger and the problem worse.
The Met defended its tactics, saying it had community support.
Last month the Met set up a special taskforce in London using stop and search, sending teams of officers into stabbing hotspots.
Ms Richards, a criminal behavioural psychologist, told BBC Radio 4's The Investigation using stop and search was a sticking plaster, and that it could push marginalised young men further into gang membership.
"We're seeing a number of guys committing the murders are already marginalised, already excluded and we are trying those kind of tactics on those individuals. I fear we just make the problem worse."
Ms Richards ran the homicide prevention unit for four years. The unit, which was formed in 2003, split knife murders into two categories - domestic and street attacks.
Domestic knife killers tended to be older and white, while those who committed street attacks were aged under 20 and disproportionately black.
Domestic killings have fallen dramatically in recent years, but street murders have been rising.
A four-year study by Ms Richards' unit had found almost 90% of knife killers had previously been known to police.
"Not only did we flag up problems, we flagged up solutions," she said.
The unit proposed a multi-agency approach targeted at offenders who ran the risk of escalating violent behaviour.
"You don't just wake up one morning and kill somebody," Ms Richards said.
However, the government has dismissed claims stop and search has made knife crime worse. Home Office minister Tony McNulty told the BBC there was much more to the policy.
"[We are] working with schools, education, trying to tackle that sort of cultural 'it's cool to carry a knife' type dimension," he said.
The policy has been more targeted and intelligence-led since June. About 1500 arrests have been made using Section 60 and other powers, he said.
Stop and search is part of a deterrence and awareness campaign, he added.
Keith Jarratt, a serving sergeant and a former president of the National Black Police Association, agreed stop and search was a good deterrent but just part of a strategy.
"If someone knows that they're likely to be stopped and searched, who is not a hardened criminal, they will stop carrying weapons, " he said.
Rose Fitzpatrick, deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, said stop and search was the right tactic.
"Stop and search is part of what we're doing but we're also sending a very visible message to young people that our aim is to keep them safe," she said.
Anti-knife fight goes to New York
Brooke Kensella plans to travel to New York as part of her campaign to tackle knife crime following ben Kensella's death on 29th June.
Speaking to the BBC, former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella said she wanted to see how the city reduced crime levels with its zero tolerance policy.
Ms Kinsella stressed there was no "quick fix" to the problem.
LEARN LESSONS:
Ms Kinsella said she had met with politicians, police, families of victims and schools since her brother's death, in an attempt to find solutions to knife crime.
"New York had a massive crime level but they have managed to reduce it with their zero tolerance policy, so I want to go out there and speak to people who started this policy.
"I think if we can take some lessons from them and learn how they did it maybe we could help our country in the same way."
Ms Kinsella said her family was still trying to cope with Ben's death.
Ben Kinsella was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends
"It's still a bit surreal, I think we are on a kind of autopilot... it's just survival instinct at the moment.
"We've lost seven more kids, after Ben and, you know, we're just, we're not naive enough to think that we can't stop anybody else dying, but we want to try and, we don't want any other family to go through this.
"The people of our country want to make a difference now and, there's enough of us that are ready to stand up and make a change.
"We can't just fix this with a quick fix - four years in prison. You need to start trying to prevent it from an early age."
Juries Kika and Michael Allende, both 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 19, have been charged with Ben's murder.
Speaking to the BBC, former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella said she wanted to see how the city reduced crime levels with its zero tolerance policy.
Ms Kinsella stressed there was no "quick fix" to the problem.
LEARN LESSONS:
Ms Kinsella said she had met with politicians, police, families of victims and schools since her brother's death, in an attempt to find solutions to knife crime.
"New York had a massive crime level but they have managed to reduce it with their zero tolerance policy, so I want to go out there and speak to people who started this policy.
"I think if we can take some lessons from them and learn how they did it maybe we could help our country in the same way."
Ms Kinsella said her family was still trying to cope with Ben's death.
Ben Kinsella was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends
"It's still a bit surreal, I think we are on a kind of autopilot... it's just survival instinct at the moment.
"We've lost seven more kids, after Ben and, you know, we're just, we're not naive enough to think that we can't stop anybody else dying, but we want to try and, we don't want any other family to go through this.
"The people of our country want to make a difference now and, there's enough of us that are ready to stand up and make a change.
"We can't just fix this with a quick fix - four years in prison. You need to start trying to prevent it from an early age."
Juries Kika and Michael Allende, both 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 19, have been charged with Ben's murder.
Murdered youth stabbed in chest
An 18-year-old man who died in a knife attack in Walthamstow, east London, suffered stab wounds to the chest, a post-mortem examination has found.
Police found Charles Junior Hendricks lying wounded near Selborne Road in the early hours of Sunday.
A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth were arrested over the murder, near a grassy area off Selborne Road on Sunday where the killing took place.
The younger of the two had a minor slash wound to the arm and was treated in hospital, police said. The man has been released on bail.
Police found Charles Junior Hendricks lying wounded near Selborne Road in the early hours of Sunday.
A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth were arrested over the murder, near a grassy area off Selborne Road on Sunday where the killing took place.
The younger of the two had a minor slash wound to the arm and was treated in hospital, police said. The man has been released on bail.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Teenager dies after knife attack
An 18-year-old man has been stabbed to death near a bus station in Walthamstow, east London.
A routine police patrol found the teenager lying wounded near Selborne Road at 0140 BST. He was pronounced dead in hospital.
A man in his 20s and a 17-year-old youth have been arrested in connection with the incident and are in custody.
The killing led to the cancellation of Walthamstow's celebration of the handover of the Olympics to London.
Clyde Loakes, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: "I was devastated to learn this morning (Sunday) that instead of celebrating London officially becoming the next Olympic host, in Walthamstow we would be mourning the loss of another young life.
"I intend to call an urgent meeting of the leaders and mayors of the five host boroughs.
"As host boroughs, we must use the power of the Games coming to East London to inspire change in our communities and change for our young people," he added.
A routine police patrol found the teenager lying wounded near Selborne Road at 0140 BST. He was pronounced dead in hospital.
A man in his 20s and a 17-year-old youth have been arrested in connection with the incident and are in custody.
The killing led to the cancellation of Walthamstow's celebration of the handover of the Olympics to London.
Clyde Loakes, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: "I was devastated to learn this morning (Sunday) that instead of celebrating London officially becoming the next Olympic host, in Walthamstow we would be mourning the loss of another young life.
"I intend to call an urgent meeting of the leaders and mayors of the five host boroughs.
"As host boroughs, we must use the power of the Games coming to East London to inspire change in our communities and change for our young people," he added.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Knife-bearers face Taser arrest
Anyone carrying a knife on the street in Devon and Cornwall risks being shot with a Taser electric stun gun, police have warned.
The gun works by firing darts that release a 50,000-volt electric shock which causes temporary paralysis.
Police said they would deal with such situations involving knives "robustly".
The Taser is classed as a "less lethal" alternative to firearms, although the weapons have been criticised by human rights groups.
Although knife crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen by 10% in recent years, police said they would still employ the stuns guns if necessary.
Supt John Green of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We'd like to make it clear that if you carry knives in the Devon and Cornwall area that we'll take it very seriously and deal with it very robustly.
"You stand a chance of being incapacitated and taken to the ground by use of a Taser."
The human rights group Amnesty has linked Tasers to about 70 deaths in the US, and mental health groups also fear they are being used too often.
The gun works by firing darts that release a 50,000-volt electric shock which causes temporary paralysis.
Police said they would deal with such situations involving knives "robustly".
The Taser is classed as a "less lethal" alternative to firearms, although the weapons have been criticised by human rights groups.
Although knife crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen by 10% in recent years, police said they would still employ the stuns guns if necessary.
Supt John Green of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We'd like to make it clear that if you carry knives in the Devon and Cornwall area that we'll take it very seriously and deal with it very robustly.
"You stand a chance of being incapacitated and taken to the ground by use of a Taser."
The human rights group Amnesty has linked Tasers to about 70 deaths in the US, and mental health groups also fear they are being used too often.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Knifeman jailed for police threat
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for 18 months after admitting threatening police officers with two knives outside his home in Northamptonshire.
Judge Richard Bray at Northampton Crown Court said the "days of lenient sentences" for knife crimes were over.
Thomas Boyce, of Eaton Close, Weedon, had pleaded guilty to common assault against his ex-girlfriend and affray.
The court heard Boyce had assaulted his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child, when she bumped into him on a night out in Northampton town centre in the early hours of 18 May.
DRINK AND DRUG PROBLEMS
Alexandra Bull, prosecuting, said she had approached him, asking him why she had not been able to get in touch with him because he owed her money.
"When he walked away, she shouted at him, at which point he turned around and punched her in the stomach before running away.
"Later that day on Eaton Close, Boyce had threatened to stab a police officer who tried to search him. He was seen brandishing two knives."
Boyce was finally restrained by officers and a police dog.
Steven Evans, defending, said Boyce had a long history of drink and drugs which led to problems.
He said he was reconciled with his ex-girlfriend, who had been visiting him while he was on remand.
"He has decent parents, a decent job, and has always worked.
"He now has responsibilities for a young son so the prospects for him avoiding further trouble are there."
Judge Richard Bray at Northampton Crown Court said the "days of lenient sentences" for knife crimes were over.
Thomas Boyce, of Eaton Close, Weedon, had pleaded guilty to common assault against his ex-girlfriend and affray.
The court heard Boyce had assaulted his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child, when she bumped into him on a night out in Northampton town centre in the early hours of 18 May.
DRINK AND DRUG PROBLEMS
Alexandra Bull, prosecuting, said she had approached him, asking him why she had not been able to get in touch with him because he owed her money.
"When he walked away, she shouted at him, at which point he turned around and punched her in the stomach before running away.
"Later that day on Eaton Close, Boyce had threatened to stab a police officer who tried to search him. He was seen brandishing two knives."
Boyce was finally restrained by officers and a police dog.
Steven Evans, defending, said Boyce had a long history of drink and drugs which led to problems.
He said he was reconciled with his ex-girlfriend, who had been visiting him while he was on remand.
"He has decent parents, a decent job, and has always worked.
"He now has responsibilities for a young son so the prospects for him avoiding further trouble are there."
Footballers make knife-crime plea
Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and David James spoke to launch an anti-knife campaign called It Doesn't Have to Happen.
Beckham said: "We can help people, we can help youngsters, because we've got a voice that kids listen to."
The government says more than 2,500 arrests have been made and 1,600 knives have been seized since June under its action plan to tackle knife crime.
David Beckham told the news conference at the team hotel he had experience of knife crime.
His best friend's brother had been due to sign a contract with Leyton Orient when he was stabbed aged 13.
Beckham said: "One day he was walking the streets, saw a fight, went over to help, got stabbed in the back and was paralysed.
"No one wants to see the devastation I saw my friend and his family go through. We have to lend our support to this campaign."
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand attended the same school as murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.
"I will never forget when the headmaster brought the school to a halt and said he had been killed. There was a sombre and chilling atmosphere.
"One day the guy was enjoying life and talking about his A-levels and the next day he was gone. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He said getting tough on knife crime would help, but there also needed to be schemes to keep young people busy.
"Communities and youth centres also need to play a bigger part. Boredom can set in a lot of times, there is a lot of peer pressure and then something happens that everyone regrets," he added.
Beckham said: "We can help people, we can help youngsters, because we've got a voice that kids listen to."
The government says more than 2,500 arrests have been made and 1,600 knives have been seized since June under its action plan to tackle knife crime.
David Beckham told the news conference at the team hotel he had experience of knife crime.
His best friend's brother had been due to sign a contract with Leyton Orient when he was stabbed aged 13.
Beckham said: "One day he was walking the streets, saw a fight, went over to help, got stabbed in the back and was paralysed.
"No one wants to see the devastation I saw my friend and his family go through. We have to lend our support to this campaign."
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand attended the same school as murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.
"I will never forget when the headmaster brought the school to a halt and said he had been killed. There was a sombre and chilling atmosphere.
"One day the guy was enjoying life and talking about his A-levels and the next day he was gone. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He said getting tough on knife crime would help, but there also needed to be schemes to keep young people busy.
"Communities and youth centres also need to play a bigger part. Boredom can set in a lot of times, there is a lot of peer pressure and then something happens that everyone regrets," he added.
Teenagers injured in knife attack
Two teenagers were seriously injured in a knife attack in a car park in Watford - just hours before a high-profile anti-knife-crime drive in the town.
The 19-year-olds were walking from the Flag pub in Station Road in the early hours when they had an altercation with four men and a woman in a silver car.
The car stopped and they were chased into the pub car park and stabbed.
The attackers were described as four white men and one white woman, all in their late teens to early 20s.
One of the men was described as being of slim to medium build, 5ft 10in (178cm) to 6ft (183cm), clean-shaven, with dark, spiky hair. He wore blue jeans and a green t-shirt with a white motif on the front.
Another of the attackers has a skinhead haircut, and is thought to have been wearing a polo-type top with a striped pattern.
The woman was in her late teens to early 20s with shoulder-length blonde hair.
Both victims, who are from the Watford area, were taken to hospital for treatment. One has been released while the other remains in a stable condition.
The 19-year-olds were walking from the Flag pub in Station Road in the early hours when they had an altercation with four men and a woman in a silver car.
The car stopped and they were chased into the pub car park and stabbed.
The attackers were described as four white men and one white woman, all in their late teens to early 20s.
One of the men was described as being of slim to medium build, 5ft 10in (178cm) to 6ft (183cm), clean-shaven, with dark, spiky hair. He wore blue jeans and a green t-shirt with a white motif on the front.
Another of the attackers has a skinhead haircut, and is thought to have been wearing a polo-type top with a striped pattern.
The woman was in her late teens to early 20s with shoulder-length blonde hair.
Both victims, who are from the Watford area, were taken to hospital for treatment. One has been released while the other remains in a stable condition.
Family in tribute to stab victim
The family of a 17-year-old youth stabbed to death in a street fight in south London have paid tribute to the "energetic and helpful" teenager.
Nilanthan Murddi's sister Santhiya said her parents were "destroyed" by their only son's death.
A 31-year-old man arrested in connection with Nilanthan's murder has since been released on bail.
Nilanthan was among six to eight people involved in the fight in Croydon early on Saturday.
The teenager died three hours later in hospital. A post-mortem examination found he died from a single knife wound to the neck.
The Murddi family are from Sri Lanka but have lived in Britain for more than 20 years.
Police want to contact a mini-cab driver, believed to have been in a blue Ford Mondeo, who stopped at traffic lights near the scene of the fight at about 0100 BST on Saturday.
Police believe his passenger, a white man, argued with him and "exchanged words" with Nilanthan and his friends who were standing nearby.
A Met Police spokeswoman said: "The suspect returned a little while later and was again involved in an exchange of words with Nilanthan and his friends, which resulted in the victim being injured."
Nilanthan was the 23rd teenager to be killed in a stabbing or a shooting in the capital this year.
Nilanthan Murddi's sister Santhiya said her parents were "destroyed" by their only son's death.
A 31-year-old man arrested in connection with Nilanthan's murder has since been released on bail.
Nilanthan was among six to eight people involved in the fight in Croydon early on Saturday.
The teenager died three hours later in hospital. A post-mortem examination found he died from a single knife wound to the neck.
The Murddi family are from Sri Lanka but have lived in Britain for more than 20 years.
Police want to contact a mini-cab driver, believed to have been in a blue Ford Mondeo, who stopped at traffic lights near the scene of the fight at about 0100 BST on Saturday.
Police believe his passenger, a white man, argued with him and "exchanged words" with Nilanthan and his friends who were standing nearby.
A Met Police spokeswoman said: "The suspect returned a little while later and was again involved in an exchange of words with Nilanthan and his friends, which resulted in the victim being injured."
Nilanthan was the 23rd teenager to be killed in a stabbing or a shooting in the capital this year.
Murder probe after boy's stabbing
A teenage boy has been stabbed to death after attending a party in Manchester.
Connor Black, a 16-year-old joinery student, suffered a one inch stab wound to his upper left shoulder in Moston Lane, Harpurhey, in the early hours
Kirsty Scullion, 18, who works as a beauty therapist, said: "He was a loveable lad who was never really in trouble.
"He was respectful but there had been trouble at this party.
Detectives are carrying out tests on two knives found in the area
"Someone told me that Connor was thought to have said something to someone, which he denied.
"It all then got out of hand and there was a commotion and he ended up getting stabbed.
"He wasn't the sort of lad who would look for trouble but he would back himself up."
Kirsty's brother, Jordan, 15, said: "He was a really good lad, I can't believe this has happened.
"He had everything to live for and was a normal young lad, into football. All his friends are stunned."
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to get in touch.
They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who saw a hooded figure seen running from the scene.
Connor Black, a 16-year-old joinery student, suffered a one inch stab wound to his upper left shoulder in Moston Lane, Harpurhey, in the early hours
Kirsty Scullion, 18, who works as a beauty therapist, said: "He was a loveable lad who was never really in trouble.
"He was respectful but there had been trouble at this party.
Detectives are carrying out tests on two knives found in the area
"Someone told me that Connor was thought to have said something to someone, which he denied.
"It all then got out of hand and there was a commotion and he ended up getting stabbed.
"He wasn't the sort of lad who would look for trouble but he would back himself up."
Kirsty's brother, Jordan, 15, said: "He was a really good lad, I can't believe this has happened.
"He had everything to live for and was a normal young lad, into football. All his friends are stunned."
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to get in touch.
They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who saw a hooded figure seen running from the scene.
Stab family backs football scheme
A football team setting out to educate children about the dangers of knives and guns has been backed by the family of an 18-year-old stabbing victim.
Charlton Athletic is in talks with Sally Knox, mother of Rob Knox, who was stabbed to death in Sidcup in May.
The club is using football to tackle the problem of street violence through activities in schools and estates in south east London and Kent.
The community programme involves football coaches visiting schools and estates across Greenwich, Bexley and Kent to talk to children and educate them about the dangers of weapons.
Mr Morgan said: "The power of football is extraordinary, and youngsters respond far more to someone in a tracksuit than the traditional delivery approaches.
"It is our intention to get education resource packs to every child in Greenwich, Bexley and Kent."
Karl Bishop, 21, from Sidcup, has been charged murdering Rob Knox and wounding five other people. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
Charlton Athletic is in talks with Sally Knox, mother of Rob Knox, who was stabbed to death in Sidcup in May.
The club is using football to tackle the problem of street violence through activities in schools and estates in south east London and Kent.
The community programme involves football coaches visiting schools and estates across Greenwich, Bexley and Kent to talk to children and educate them about the dangers of weapons.
Mr Morgan said: "The power of football is extraordinary, and youngsters respond far more to someone in a tracksuit than the traditional delivery approaches.
"It is our intention to get education resource packs to every child in Greenwich, Bexley and Kent."
Karl Bishop, 21, from Sidcup, has been charged murdering Rob Knox and wounding five other people. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
Knives amnesty nets 600 weapons
653 weapons and knives have been handed in during a two-week amnesty across Tyne and Wear.
Police launched the crackdown after a spate of stabbings and incidents of disorder in the area.
Chief Constable Mike Craik, of the Northumbria Force, said the next phase of the campaign was to target known offenders and carry out spot checks.
But Mr Craik said there was no room for complacency and the campaign had a long way to go.
He said: "We do not have the gang culture that places like London have, but it is still a problem - last night alone there were three incidents in the area involving knives.
"People carry knives for lots of reasons. They are often ill, on drugs, or are psychologically damaged in some way - sometimes young people just think it's cool.
"That is why we have been into pretty much every school in the Northumbria force area and will be going in again.
"Fear is a very personal thing - but we want people be to be able to leave their homes and feel confident they are not in danger."
Police launched the crackdown after a spate of stabbings and incidents of disorder in the area.
Chief Constable Mike Craik, of the Northumbria Force, said the next phase of the campaign was to target known offenders and carry out spot checks.
But Mr Craik said there was no room for complacency and the campaign had a long way to go.
He said: "We do not have the gang culture that places like London have, but it is still a problem - last night alone there were three incidents in the area involving knives.
"People carry knives for lots of reasons. They are often ill, on drugs, or are psychologically damaged in some way - sometimes young people just think it's cool.
"That is why we have been into pretty much every school in the Northumbria force area and will be going in again.
"Fear is a very personal thing - but we want people be to be able to leave their homes and feel confident they are not in danger."
Anti-knife crime concert delayed
The family of Ben Kinsella, stabbed to death in north London, have postponed an anti knife crime concert.
The Kinsella family had planned to hold the Street Peace Live concert in Finsbury Park on 21 September.
A spokesman said the concert was being put back so as not to clash with any legal trial and to give more artists the chance to take part.
Juress Kika and Michael Alleyne, both 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 19, have been accused of Ben's murder and will appear at the Old Bailey in October for a preliminary hearing.
"The Street Peace Live concert will still be taking place and will be moved to summer 2009, this also allows so many other huge artists to be involved as so many wanted to show their support by performing but due to commitments on the 21st unfortunately had to decline."
The Kinsella family had planned to hold the Street Peace Live concert in Finsbury Park on 21 September.
A spokesman said the concert was being put back so as not to clash with any legal trial and to give more artists the chance to take part.
Juress Kika and Michael Alleyne, both 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 19, have been accused of Ben's murder and will appear at the Old Bailey in October for a preliminary hearing.
"The Street Peace Live concert will still be taking place and will be moved to summer 2009, this also allows so many other huge artists to be involved as so many wanted to show their support by performing but due to commitments on the 21st unfortunately had to decline."
Metal detectors scan club-goers
Mobile metal detectors are being used outside nightclubs in Leeds to help police catch people who carry knives.
Revellers will not be allowed in to the clubs unless they walk through airport-style arches and officers will search anyone who refuses.
Police said the scheme is aimed at making people feel safer on nights out and stressed that Leeds did not have a major knife problem.
Revellers will not be allowed in to the clubs unless they walk through airport-style arches and officers will search anyone who refuses.
Police said the scheme is aimed at making people feel safer on nights out and stressed that Leeds did not have a major knife problem.
Knife crime operation draws blank
More than 400 young people were searched in an operation to tackle knife crime - but not one of them was carrying a weapon.
The crackdown in Waltham Cross, Herts, on 25 and 26 July and 1 and 2 August was in response to recent stabbings.
More than 170 people passed through a knife arch on the High Street and a further 260 people were searched.
Insp Phil White said: "In the busiest area in the town, we did not find a single person carrying a weapon."
STRONG MESSAGE
"There have been two serious incidents in the vicinity of the High Street in Waltham Cross in the past month, which have resulted in four young men being seriously injured," Insp White added.
"We are taking a proactive approach to preventing any further incidents from occurring.
The crackdown in Waltham Cross, Herts, on 25 and 26 July and 1 and 2 August was in response to recent stabbings.
More than 170 people passed through a knife arch on the High Street and a further 260 people were searched.
Insp Phil White said: "In the busiest area in the town, we did not find a single person carrying a weapon."
STRONG MESSAGE
"There have been two serious incidents in the vicinity of the High Street in Waltham Cross in the past month, which have resulted in four young men being seriously injured," Insp White added.
"We are taking a proactive approach to preventing any further incidents from occurring.
More knife criminals facing jail
Many more people could be jailed for knife possession, after changes to new sentencing guidelines.
The original guidelines, coming in on Monday in England and Wales, had drawn some criticism as being too lenient.
First-time offenders could now face about 12 weeks in prison. The guidelines apply to adult offenders.
Before the changes, the starting point when sentencing for possessing a knife in a public place was a community sentence or fine.
The original guidelines, coming in on Monday in England and Wales, had drawn some criticism as being too lenient.
First-time offenders could now face about 12 weeks in prison. The guidelines apply to adult offenders.
Before the changes, the starting point when sentencing for possessing a knife in a public place was a community sentence or fine.
Concern at knife crime sentences
Fewer than one in five people charged with knife offences are sent to prison, Metropolitan (Met) Police figures show.
Staff monitored 103 individuals charged with such offences in one week in June during an anti-knife crime operation.
Of 24 youths who had been dealt with in court by 28 July, just one was jailed. Of the 29 adults sentenced by the same date, eight received jail terms.
The figures, collated during Operation Blunt, showed 17%, or fewer than one in five, offenders were jailed.
Staff monitored 103 individuals charged with such offences in one week in June during an anti-knife crime operation.
Of 24 youths who had been dealt with in court by 28 July, just one was jailed. Of the 29 adults sentenced by the same date, eight received jail terms.
The figures, collated during Operation Blunt, showed 17%, or fewer than one in five, offenders were jailed.
Knife licence consultation launch
Dealers in non-domestic knives could be required to have a licence under proposals from the Scottish Government.
Measures could include keeping full descriptions of knives sold, along with detailed records of how a customer's age and identity were verified.
Mr MacAskill said: "There is no doubt that weapons such as hunting and combat knives can, in the wrong hands, be part of this problem.
"They can injure, maim and kill, and we need to make sure they are only sold to people with a legitimate reason for buying them."
Mr MacAskill said the government was also suggesting that anyone who wanted to buy a sword must be able to prove what they intend to use it for, such as by producing a membership card or letter from a society with a recognised reason for using swords.
Measures could include keeping full descriptions of knives sold, along with detailed records of how a customer's age and identity were verified.
Mr MacAskill said: "There is no doubt that weapons such as hunting and combat knives can, in the wrong hands, be part of this problem.
"They can injure, maim and kill, and we need to make sure they are only sold to people with a legitimate reason for buying them."
Mr MacAskill said the government was also suggesting that anyone who wanted to buy a sword must be able to prove what they intend to use it for, such as by producing a membership card or letter from a society with a recognised reason for using swords.
Mayor's £700,000 for youth crime
A £700,000 funding package has been announced by the mayor of London to help tackle knife and gun crime among young people.
The announcement follows a spate of high-profile deaths of young people in London. So far this year, 21 teenagers have been killed violently in London.
The new funding will be put into two programmes - Calling The Shots, run by The Boyhood To Manhood Foundation, and Watch Over Me, run by the Kids Taskforce.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
A third project, also run by the Kids Taskforce initiative, will teach seven to 11-year-olds about personal behaviour, crime and safety.
Speaking at the Brixton Road Youth Centre in south London, Mr Johnson said: "Everyone knows what the root causes of youth crime are and everyone knows what the solution is.
"It's a question of how we get from here to there. It's about giving young people boundaries and discipline."
Labour Assembly Member Jennette Arnold said the announcement was a credit to the hard work of those involved.
"They have demonstrated that they are best placed to intervene and support our young people - especially those most at risk in some of our most challenging communities," she said.
Miguel Beia, a mentor at the youth centre, said it helped turn his life around. "My life would have been devastating without the youth centre," said the 18-year-old.
"I would have been involved in gun crime. If not dead, then I would have been in prison."
Mr Beia, who grew up on Brixton Road's Cowley council estate, recently completed an internship with the Bank of America and is studying at university.
The announcement follows a spate of high-profile deaths of young people in London. So far this year, 21 teenagers have been killed violently in London.
The new funding will be put into two programmes - Calling The Shots, run by The Boyhood To Manhood Foundation, and Watch Over Me, run by the Kids Taskforce.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
A third project, also run by the Kids Taskforce initiative, will teach seven to 11-year-olds about personal behaviour, crime and safety.
Speaking at the Brixton Road Youth Centre in south London, Mr Johnson said: "Everyone knows what the root causes of youth crime are and everyone knows what the solution is.
"It's a question of how we get from here to there. It's about giving young people boundaries and discipline."
Labour Assembly Member Jennette Arnold said the announcement was a credit to the hard work of those involved.
"They have demonstrated that they are best placed to intervene and support our young people - especially those most at risk in some of our most challenging communities," she said.
Miguel Beia, a mentor at the youth centre, said it helped turn his life around. "My life would have been devastating without the youth centre," said the 18-year-old.
"I would have been involved in gun crime. If not dead, then I would have been in prison."
Mr Beia, who grew up on Brixton Road's Cowley council estate, recently completed an internship with the Bank of America and is studying at university.
Life sentence for knife murderer
John Davies, 43, of Anchor Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, was convicted and scentenced to life in jail for Christopher Deakin's murder trial at Stafford Crown Court.
Two other men were found guilty of affray ana assult and were also jailed.
Marc Callaghan, 30, was convicted of Mr Deakin's manslaughter and was jailed for nine years.
The trial heard how an argument had broken out between the men over photographs relating to John Davies' wife.
The men went to retrieve the pictures and, in a row which followed at Mr Deakin's house, he was fatally stabbed in the leg.
In a statement following the trial, Mr Deakin's father Barry said he hoped the verdict would make people realise the culture of "drunken mob behaviour and knife crime" could not continue.
Two other men were found guilty of affray ana assult and were also jailed.
Marc Callaghan, 30, was convicted of Mr Deakin's manslaughter and was jailed for nine years.
The trial heard how an argument had broken out between the men over photographs relating to John Davies' wife.
The men went to retrieve the pictures and, in a row which followed at Mr Deakin's house, he was fatally stabbed in the leg.
In a statement following the trial, Mr Deakin's father Barry said he hoped the verdict would make people realise the culture of "drunken mob behaviour and knife crime" could not continue.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Groom stabbed at wedding party
A groom who was stabbed along with his best man at a wedding party in the garden of an East Sussex home has said knife crime is "not just in London"
Joe Pattenden Hunt spoke after being attacked on Saturday evening at celebrations in Crowborough held a month after his wedding in June.
The pair were attacked after a group of gatecrashers disrupted the party.
Matthew Gould, 23, of Crowborough, has been charged with two counts of GBH. Police said the incident was "rare".
The 27-year-old said: "I did feel very frightened. I was going very faint. I was just trying to stay awake, and was sort of aware of what felt like a lot of blood.
"I could see a lot of blood and I was very worried for my best man and myself."
ISOLATED INCIDENT
Mr Pattenden Hunt said: "I've lived here in this lovely country location for 27 years and always felt very lucky and fortunate for being here - and then for something like this to happen.
"Crowborough is usually quite a sleepy little country town and these people are here - they're not just in London."
He said 80 guests had gathered at his father's house in Stone Cross on Saturday evening to celebrate his marriage to Laura, 27, on the Isles of Scilly.
The party was for those who missed the ceremony, but a group of gatecrashers also turned up.
The groom said he was knifed in the arm, while his best man was stabbed in the cheek, neck, chest, back and stomach.
Matthew Gould, of Alderbrook Close, appeared before magistrates in Brighton on Monday charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Joe Pattenden Hunt spoke after being attacked on Saturday evening at celebrations in Crowborough held a month after his wedding in June.
The pair were attacked after a group of gatecrashers disrupted the party.
Matthew Gould, 23, of Crowborough, has been charged with two counts of GBH. Police said the incident was "rare".
The 27-year-old said: "I did feel very frightened. I was going very faint. I was just trying to stay awake, and was sort of aware of what felt like a lot of blood.
"I could see a lot of blood and I was very worried for my best man and myself."
ISOLATED INCIDENT
Mr Pattenden Hunt said: "I've lived here in this lovely country location for 27 years and always felt very lucky and fortunate for being here - and then for something like this to happen.
"Crowborough is usually quite a sleepy little country town and these people are here - they're not just in London."
He said 80 guests had gathered at his father's house in Stone Cross on Saturday evening to celebrate his marriage to Laura, 27, on the Isles of Scilly.
The party was for those who missed the ceremony, but a group of gatecrashers also turned up.
The groom said he was knifed in the arm, while his best man was stabbed in the cheek, neck, chest, back and stomach.
Matthew Gould, of Alderbrook Close, appeared before magistrates in Brighton on Monday charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Young people's knife crime fears
More than half (55%) of young people fear becoming victims of knife crime in the summer months, a survey has shown.
The poll, commissioned by BBC London, surveyed 501 people aged 13 to 18 in the London boroughs of Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Lambeth, and Southwark.
The survey also revealed 75% do not think London Mayor Boris Johnson and the government will be able to reduce knife crime over the coming months.
Mr Johnson said his office will tackle the issue make a long-term difference.
He added: "I think its going to be a counsel of despair to say that we can't make a difference, that this is all beyond us.
SURVEY FINDINGS
75% disagree London Mayor Boris Johnson and the government will be able to reduce knife crime in London over the coming months
84% say it has become easier to buy a knife
26% think they will more likely be the victim of gun or knife crime than gain a good qualification
41% feel those carrying weapons should get longer sentences
6% say they have been pressured into joining a gang
63% say they feel the police are unable to protect them
"We are making a difference with the policing solutions, with the stop and search, lifting knives off the streets and we are going to be making a difference in the long-term by changing the lives of kids who are currently going wrong."
Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing, said: "It's about intervening in schools and a cultural change to stop people carrying knives."
"The survey also says that the major reason for young people carrying knives is to get 'respect' and one of the things we have to do as a society is show them how unglamorous it is actually to carry a knife."
About 45% of respondents said they knew someone who had been a victim of knife crime.
That is up from 33% last year, when the poll was last conducted in the same boroughs and among the same age group.
Fear of being a victim of crime has increased to 32% from 26% last year as a reason for people carrying weapons.
The percentage of those young people who carry knives because they "want respect" has declined from 44% to 39%, but it remains the most popular perceived reason for doing so.
The proportion who say the same of gun crime has gone up from 17% to 22% since last November
The poll, commissioned by BBC London, surveyed 501 people aged 13 to 18 in the London boroughs of Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Lambeth, and Southwark.
The survey also revealed 75% do not think London Mayor Boris Johnson and the government will be able to reduce knife crime over the coming months.
Mr Johnson said his office will tackle the issue make a long-term difference.
He added: "I think its going to be a counsel of despair to say that we can't make a difference, that this is all beyond us.
SURVEY FINDINGS
75% disagree London Mayor Boris Johnson and the government will be able to reduce knife crime in London over the coming months
84% say it has become easier to buy a knife
26% think they will more likely be the victim of gun or knife crime than gain a good qualification
41% feel those carrying weapons should get longer sentences
6% say they have been pressured into joining a gang
63% say they feel the police are unable to protect them
"We are making a difference with the policing solutions, with the stop and search, lifting knives off the streets and we are going to be making a difference in the long-term by changing the lives of kids who are currently going wrong."
Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing, said: "It's about intervening in schools and a cultural change to stop people carrying knives."
"The survey also says that the major reason for young people carrying knives is to get 'respect' and one of the things we have to do as a society is show them how unglamorous it is actually to carry a knife."
About 45% of respondents said they knew someone who had been a victim of knife crime.
That is up from 33% last year, when the poll was last conducted in the same boroughs and among the same age group.
Fear of being a victim of crime has increased to 32% from 26% last year as a reason for people carrying weapons.
The percentage of those young people who carry knives because they "want respect" has declined from 44% to 39%, but it remains the most popular perceived reason for doing so.
The proportion who say the same of gun crime has gone up from 17% to 22% since last November
Call for under-16s ban on knives
A Guernsey politician is calling for measures to stop teenagers getting hold of knives to be watered down.
Next week the States will discuss proposals for the sale of knives to be outlawed to under-18s.
But Deputy John Gollop thinks that age limit should be lowered to affect only under-16s.
He said the problem of knife crime was comparatively minor and the number of incidents for those aged above 16 did not justify a ban.
Last year nearly 500 knives were handed in to Guernsey police in a knife amnesty
Next week the States will discuss proposals for the sale of knives to be outlawed to under-18s.
But Deputy John Gollop thinks that age limit should be lowered to affect only under-16s.
He said the problem of knife crime was comparatively minor and the number of incidents for those aged above 16 did not justify a ban.
Last year nearly 500 knives were handed in to Guernsey police in a knife amnesty
Mother devastated by son's death
The mother of a teenager stabbed to death after a row over a water fight has spoken of the "senseless and meaningless loss."
Frederick Moody Boateng, 18, was killed near his home in Lambeth, south London, on 17 July
A man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with his death and continues to be questioned by police.
A 16-year-old who was arrested on the night of the incident has been released on bail until mid-August.
WATER GUNS
A line of water guns were left on Guildford Road along with more than 50 bunches of flowers and notes from friends.
Ms Moody said he was a much-loved son who "filled our lives with cheerfulness, laughter and joy".
"We are extremely devastated by this tragic, senseless and meaningless loss at the tender age of 18," she added.
"We draw strength from the love and care he lavished on us. We take courage from the memories of a good man who stood out for his good character."
ACTION
The family led the mourners on an "anti-knife crime march" in memory of Mr Moody Boateng.
Many of them donned orange T-shirts for the third-of-a-mile (480 metres) walk, to Stockwell Tube station and back, as it was the teenager's favourite colour.
Two of his college friends held up a large banner, with the words: "In memory of Freddie! Please stop the knife crime."
Mr Moody Boateng, a former business student at Kingston College, became the 21st teenager to die in violent circumstances in London this year.
Frederick Moody Boateng, 18, was killed near his home in Lambeth, south London, on 17 July
A man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with his death and continues to be questioned by police.
A 16-year-old who was arrested on the night of the incident has been released on bail until mid-August.
WATER GUNS
A line of water guns were left on Guildford Road along with more than 50 bunches of flowers and notes from friends.
Ms Moody said he was a much-loved son who "filled our lives with cheerfulness, laughter and joy".
"We are extremely devastated by this tragic, senseless and meaningless loss at the tender age of 18," she added.
"We draw strength from the love and care he lavished on us. We take courage from the memories of a good man who stood out for his good character."
ACTION
The family led the mourners on an "anti-knife crime march" in memory of Mr Moody Boateng.
Many of them donned orange T-shirts for the third-of-a-mile (480 metres) walk, to Stockwell Tube station and back, as it was the teenager's favourite colour.
Two of his college friends held up a large banner, with the words: "In memory of Freddie! Please stop the knife crime."
Mr Moody Boateng, a former business student at Kingston College, became the 21st teenager to die in violent circumstances in London this year.
Child knife sellers 'not jailed'
No one was jailed for selling a knife to a child in England and Wales in the five years up to 2006, it has emerged.
Most of the 71 people convicted of selling knives to under 16-year-olds were fined, but mostly less than £500, despite the maximum fine being £5,000.
Only one person was given a community sentence, despite the maximum sentence being six months in prison.
The Liberal Democrats described the fines imposed as "pitiful" and called for tougher penalties to send a message that selling knives to children is "unacceptable".
The ways in which young people obtain knives has come under increase scrutiny in recent months in the wake of several high profile stabbings involving teenagers.
Research suggests the age of knife crime victims has been falling, with 17 teenagers in London alone having died from stab wounds since the start of the year.
But analysis of official data shows the number of people killed with a sharp instrument across the UK in the 10 years to 2006 has remained stable at about 200 annually.
Meanwhile, under new guidelines for police and prosecutors, anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales who carries a knife could be taken to court.
Previous police guidance was to prosecute adults caught with a knife, but to caution those under 18.
Conservative leader David Cameron says the presumption should go further - so anyone convicted of carrying a knife should be jailed.
Most of the 71 people convicted of selling knives to under 16-year-olds were fined, but mostly less than £500, despite the maximum fine being £5,000.
Only one person was given a community sentence, despite the maximum sentence being six months in prison.
The Liberal Democrats described the fines imposed as "pitiful" and called for tougher penalties to send a message that selling knives to children is "unacceptable".
The ways in which young people obtain knives has come under increase scrutiny in recent months in the wake of several high profile stabbings involving teenagers.
Research suggests the age of knife crime victims has been falling, with 17 teenagers in London alone having died from stab wounds since the start of the year.
But analysis of official data shows the number of people killed with a sharp instrument across the UK in the 10 years to 2006 has remained stable at about 200 annually.
Meanwhile, under new guidelines for police and prosecutors, anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales who carries a knife could be taken to court.
Previous police guidance was to prosecute adults caught with a knife, but to caution those under 18.
Conservative leader David Cameron says the presumption should go further - so anyone convicted of carrying a knife should be jailed.
Family march against knife crime
Family and friends of one of London's youngest stabbing victims have marched to Downing Street, from Great Dover Street calling for action against violent youth crime, which aprox 200 people took part.
David Idowu, 14, was attacked in Great Dover Street in Borough, south London, on 17 June and died in hospital.
His brother Peter met Prime Minister Gordon Brown and asked him to take urgent action to avoid "condemning young Londoners to a lifetime of fear".
A 16-year-old youth has been charged with David's murder.
TOUGHER SENTENCES
They chanted slogans such as "Drop the knife, save a life" and carried placards calling for justice for David.
The demonstrators said they wanted greater protection for witnesses giving evidence in court and tougher sentences for those convicted.
When Peter Idowu met the prime minister on Tuesday he read a statement to him about knife and gun crime and possible solutions to the problem.
"He (Gordon Brown) said I had raised some vital points which he's going to carry out," Peter said.
David was the 19th teenager to die violently in London this year.
Peter described how the "normal" day ended in a tragedy.
COMMENTS
"I came back from college, I got call from my mother saying my brother had been stabbed in the chest and that he is in hospital.
"At first I did not know what to think, I found it very hard to believe... What did he do to deserve this?" he said.
"Three weeks later when I got the news that my little brother was no more I broke down, tears uncontrollably just rolling down my face.
"May his soul rest in perfect peace."
David's friend Tosin Aiyelo, said: "What is this country coming to when we the future generation believe it is fashionable to carry a knife and then use it?
"We need solutions now, not tomorrow. For too long came the violence, then the sirens and now the silence. We need to work together and make a change as a community now!"
David Idowu, 14, was attacked in Great Dover Street in Borough, south London, on 17 June and died in hospital.
His brother Peter met Prime Minister Gordon Brown and asked him to take urgent action to avoid "condemning young Londoners to a lifetime of fear".
A 16-year-old youth has been charged with David's murder.
TOUGHER SENTENCES
They chanted slogans such as "Drop the knife, save a life" and carried placards calling for justice for David.
The demonstrators said they wanted greater protection for witnesses giving evidence in court and tougher sentences for those convicted.
When Peter Idowu met the prime minister on Tuesday he read a statement to him about knife and gun crime and possible solutions to the problem.
"He (Gordon Brown) said I had raised some vital points which he's going to carry out," Peter said.
David was the 19th teenager to die violently in London this year.
Peter described how the "normal" day ended in a tragedy.
COMMENTS
"I came back from college, I got call from my mother saying my brother had been stabbed in the chest and that he is in hospital.
"At first I did not know what to think, I found it very hard to believe... What did he do to deserve this?" he said.
"Three weeks later when I got the news that my little brother was no more I broke down, tears uncontrollably just rolling down my face.
"May his soul rest in perfect peace."
David's friend Tosin Aiyelo, said: "What is this country coming to when we the future generation believe it is fashionable to carry a knife and then use it?
"We need solutions now, not tomorrow. For too long came the violence, then the sirens and now the silence. We need to work together and make a change as a community now!"
Knife crime: tackling the problem
Knife crime is in the headlines daily, whether it be reports of another stabbing or of ways to try to deal with the problem.
Your News was contacted by 39-year-old Barry Edwards from Luton.
As an ex-offender Barry has spent the last 17 years turning his life around.
"SCARED AS HELL"
From an early age Barry has been:
>In trouble with the authorities
>Expelled from school for taking other childrens dinner money
>Involved in burglary & robbery
>At 16 went to a young offenders institution for forgery
>Ended up in Brixton & wandsworth prison
It was there that he made up his mind not spend any more of his life behind bars.
"In prison I started to see how disgusting it was and I saw how difficult it was for the people who cared for me.
"When I was transferred to an adult prison for the first time I saw men in there who were old enough to be my dad. That's when I realised I couldn't stay in prison.
"I remember leaving prison and the officer saying they'd see me back at Christmas. I said 'no thanks' and never went back."
"WILL THINK TWICE"
Since that day he has worked hard - gaining a media degree and using his experience to help others.
Barry works with young people, to show them that there are opportunities out there and an alternative to a career in crime.
"In prison you learn how to keep bad company.
"If I was told back then that I'd suffer for the next ten years; just trying to break even, getting a job or references, I would have thought twice about it."
Barry thinks the way to tackle knife and other youth crime is to start early. "It's too late once the crime has been committed", he says.
He thinks that showing the pain caused by those who have lost loved ones, gruesome pictures of the damage a knife can do and the consequences of a prison sentence will go a long way to help people make the decision to put their knives down.
Your News was contacted by 39-year-old Barry Edwards from Luton.
As an ex-offender Barry has spent the last 17 years turning his life around.
"SCARED AS HELL"
From an early age Barry has been:
>In trouble with the authorities
>Expelled from school for taking other childrens dinner money
>Involved in burglary & robbery
>At 16 went to a young offenders institution for forgery
>Ended up in Brixton & wandsworth prison
It was there that he made up his mind not spend any more of his life behind bars.
"In prison I started to see how disgusting it was and I saw how difficult it was for the people who cared for me.
"When I was transferred to an adult prison for the first time I saw men in there who were old enough to be my dad. That's when I realised I couldn't stay in prison.
"I remember leaving prison and the officer saying they'd see me back at Christmas. I said 'no thanks' and never went back."
"WILL THINK TWICE"
Since that day he has worked hard - gaining a media degree and using his experience to help others.
Barry works with young people, to show them that there are opportunities out there and an alternative to a career in crime.
"In prison you learn how to keep bad company.
"If I was told back then that I'd suffer for the next ten years; just trying to break even, getting a job or references, I would have thought twice about it."
Barry thinks the way to tackle knife and other youth crime is to start early. "It's too late once the crime has been committed", he says.
He thinks that showing the pain caused by those who have lost loved ones, gruesome pictures of the damage a knife can do and the consequences of a prison sentence will go a long way to help people make the decision to put their knives down.
Thousands sign knife crime pledge
More than 2,500 people have already signed a pledge calling for an end to knife crime as part of a campaign in a Warwickshire town.
The "pledge wall", put up outside St Andrew's Church in Rugby, is part of a weapons amnesty organised in the town.
People are being urged to hand in knives to the church or police.
It comes after Kevin Wright, 20, of Bilton, was stabbed to death near the church in May. A man has since been charged with his murder.
Carlton Ashman-Samuels, 28, of Nineveh Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, has been charged with murder and the attempted murders of Carl and Danny Wright.
The three men were attacked during the early hours of 5 May.
The "pledge wall", put up outside St Andrew's Church in Rugby, is part of a weapons amnesty organised in the town.
People are being urged to hand in knives to the church or police.
It comes after Kevin Wright, 20, of Bilton, was stabbed to death near the church in May. A man has since been charged with his murder.
Carlton Ashman-Samuels, 28, of Nineveh Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, has been charged with murder and the attempted murders of Carl and Danny Wright.
The three men were attacked during the early hours of 5 May.
Papers look to knife crime fixes
Police are calling for stronger stop and search powers to tackle knife crime, reports The Observer.
News of the World has commissioned a poll to find out what young people think should be done about the issue.
Seven out of ten 16 to 24-year-olds surveyed backed an automatic two-year jail term for anyone caught with knives, it says
News of the World has commissioned a poll to find out what young people think should be done about the issue.
Seven out of ten 16 to 24-year-olds surveyed backed an automatic two-year jail term for anyone caught with knives, it says
Man jailed for killing housemate
A man has been jailed for killing his housemate in an arguement in Lancashire.
Ian Aitken 46, was stabbed in the neck in the house he shared with Jason Moran - Aitken died.
Moran, 23, was scentenced to 3years in prison for the attack which happened on 7th Dec 07.
Det Chief Insp Tim Lesson said: "If you carry a knife you have verry little control over what might happen"
"You could find yourself in circumstances you can't control and things can get out of hand"
"As this is the case, one stab wound or slash or cut is enough to kill"
Ian Aitken 46, was stabbed in the neck in the house he shared with Jason Moran - Aitken died.
Moran, 23, was scentenced to 3years in prison for the attack which happened on 7th Dec 07.
Det Chief Insp Tim Lesson said: "If you carry a knife you have verry little control over what might happen"
"You could find yourself in circumstances you can't control and things can get out of hand"
"As this is the case, one stab wound or slash or cut is enough to kill"
Teenager dies in stabbing attack
The 18-year-old was found with a stab wound to the abdomen and has died after police were called to reports of an assault in Guildford Road, Stockwell, on Thursday at aprox 7.15pm.
Poliice believe the victim was attacked by up to eight males who were described as wearing hooded tops and had bikes.
A 16 year old was arrested in Brixton - in connection with the stabbing.
Neighbours said: (Keith Bayley) "One of our neighbours came and knocked on our door and told our son there was a body lying on the street".
"There were a lot of paramedics trying to revive him. He was there for about 20 minutes, then they took him away in an ambulance".
It changes everything round here. My 14-year-old son has asked to be picked up from school tonight. It just changes everything," he said.
Edward Skurfield, 19, who lives in Guildford Road said: "I have lived here for three years and my friend has lived here for 11 years and we have not heard of any knife crime in that time in this area
Poliice believe the victim was attacked by up to eight males who were described as wearing hooded tops and had bikes.
A 16 year old was arrested in Brixton - in connection with the stabbing.
Neighbours said: (Keith Bayley) "One of our neighbours came and knocked on our door and told our son there was a body lying on the street".
"There were a lot of paramedics trying to revive him. He was there for about 20 minutes, then they took him away in an ambulance".
It changes everything round here. My 14-year-old son has asked to be picked up from school tonight. It just changes everything," he said.
Edward Skurfield, 19, who lives in Guildford Road said: "I have lived here for three years and my friend has lived here for 11 years and we have not heard of any knife crime in that time in this area
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)