Local leaders respond as police launch operation into serious youth violence
It follows a number of serious incidents in recent months - including when a 16-year-old was fatally stabbed on Wednesday (14 February)
As Avon and Somerset Police launch an operation to tackle serious youth violence and knife crime following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Bristol, local leaders are calling for a 'new approach' to tackle the problem.
Officers have started their new operation in Bristol, following the tragic deaths of 19-year-old Eddie Kinuthia in St Paul’s in June, 16-year-old Max Dixon and 15-year-old Mason Rist in Knowle West last month, and of a 16-year-old boy in St Philips on February 14.
It also comes after a 16-year-old boy was critically wounded in a stabbing at a Bristol city centre McDonald’s on Thursday 8 February and other incidents in which children and young people have been injured, including a 14-year-old boy in St Werburgh’s on Sunday 4 February and a 20-year-old man in Easton yesterday.
'Incidents like this create heartache and raise concern'
Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “I am saddened to learn about the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Bristol on Wednesday evening. I would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, as their PCC, but also as a fellow parent.
"Devastating incidents like this will understandably create heartache and raise concern among the wider community.
"I encourage residents who have concerns to reach out to their local officers. If you have any information that may help Avon and Somerset Police with their investigation, please do contact them directly via 101 and reference 5224039827. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers, either online or via 0800 555 111.
"I understand that knife crime is very concerning for residents across Avon and Somerset. I want to meet and talk to people to hear their concerns on this issue, so that I can then feed this back to the police, our partners and other local communities so I will be arranging a meeting between the police and community leaders to share information about what is happening and next steps.
"I have asked the Chief Constable to explore the full range of practice options that the Police have at their disposal for prevention and deterrent, and to explore options of bring into the force psychologists and academics to audit the best practice for the prevention of knife crime. I really want to understand why young men feel the need to carry knives and commit violence and how to stop it.
"I would also like to reassure communities that there is proactive preventative work underway to support young people, youth professionals and local community groups through the Bristol Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).
"The Bristol VRP works collaboratively with partners to deliver a public health approach in reducing and preventing violence. Together they offer a range of youth support services, from school initiatives, mentoring to outreach youth work to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences on knife crime.
"Myself, Avon and Somerset Police, the local Councils and communities are all committed to preventing knife crime, and stopping young people coming to harm.”
West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “My first thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man. It’s always a tragedy when a young person loses their life but particularly so when it is caused by such unnecessary and senseless violence.
“People across the West of England are rightly concerned about what appears to be a growing trend of knife violence. This can’t go on. We must learn the lessons of this and other recent tragic knife incidents across our region. A new approach to knife crime - including its complex causes - is desperately needed.”
You can find out more about the police operation, and the extended stop and search powers, on the force's website: Police launch operation to tackle serious youth violence and knife crime