Calls for knife amnesty following fatal stabbing
Wiltshire Council says it's considering an amnesty as part of its response to the death of 16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere
Calls for a knife amnesty have been made after a schoolboy died of stab wounds following an incident in Chippenham on Saturday.
Shayne Hambakachere, 16, died in hospital as a result of his injuries two days after the incident. A 15-year-old has been arrested.
On Tuesday, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet meeting began with one minute of silent reflection.
Following the tribute, Liz Alstrom, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Chippenham Hardens & Central, told members: “As you can appreciate, this has been devastating for our community.
“I have been working hard with the Local Youth Network to ensure that we have additional sessions in place this week to support young people in handling their emotions following this incident.”
And she asked: “Will the council support the police in their efforts to reduce instances of knife carrying and knife crime in the county, and consider supporting a knife amnesty?”
Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for children’s services, responded: “The Community Safety Partnership are putting together a joint response and there will be a joint action taking place from the council, the police, and other parties with information coming out in the next few days.
“A knife amnesty will definitely be one of the actions being considered.”