EXCLUSIVE: Knife deaths double across Avon & Somerset
We've got the Prime Minister to comment on shocking new figures
Last updated 4th Mar 2024
The number of people killed by knife crime across Avon and Somerset has more than doubled in the space of a year, according to new figures obtained by Hits Radio.
The data, sent to us by Avon and Somerset Police (AS Police) following a Freedom of Information request, show 13 people died in incidents across the region in 2023, compared to five in 2022.
It comes as the force begins a new operation to combat the issue, following several stabbings since the turn of the year, several of which have been fatal.
Max Dixon who was 16 and 15 year old Mason Rist both died from knife wounds in Knowle West in January, meanwhile another 16 year old, Darrian Williams, died after being stabbed near Stapleton Road in Easton on 14 February.
On 18 February three primary school age children from the same family died from knife injuries after an incident at a house in Sea Mills, while there have been several other recent incidents in the region from which thankfully, the victims survived.
We asked the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to give us his reaction, whilst on a visit to the West Country this morning.
He said: "First thing to say is overall, crime and violent crime is down.
"Of course there is more to do.
"First and foremost is putting more police officers on the street, so 20,000 across the country...so that will help.
"Then you need to give the police officers the powers they need and that's why we've been keen to champion Stop and Search."
However, the figures received by Hits Radio show that across Avon and Somerset, the number of times officers used their Stop and Search powers in 2023 was down, compared to 2019, pre Covid.
The police used Stop and Search 4,575 times in 2023, compared to 5,289 times four years previously; a drop of 714.
However, 2023's figure was up on 2022, when Stop and Search powers were used 4,471 times.
Reaction
Commenting on the figures, Chief Inspector Mike Vass, knife crime lead at AS Police, said any loss of life is "tragic".
"Whilst we are doing everything we can to tackle and disrupt those carrying knives within our communities, we know that policing alone will not solve this," he said.
"So, we call on our communities and partners to please reach out and talk to the children and young people in your lives, and to report or talk to someone if you’re worried that they may be at risk of, or involved in, knife crime or serious violence."
Mark Shelford, Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, who is elected to hold the police to account on behalf of the public, recently reiterated Chief Inspector Vass' views, saying he wants to "start a conversation" around knife crime.
Responding to the figures we have obtained he said: "It is imperative that we all work to prevent these horrendous crimes.
"Good work is happening; for example, Bleed Kits have been installed by NHS South West and HeartSafe across our region, with 200 expected to be in place by April 2024.
"These kits are designed to be used in an emergency, in the time between an incident and emergency services arriving on the scene and can save lives.
"Proactive prevention is also essential, such as the new operation being launched by Avon and Somerset Police that will focus on targeting people who have been identified as at high risk of committing these crimes.
"Additionally, efforts will be made to safeguard vulnerable individuals from becoming victims of violence."
New police efforts
On 15 February, a day after the death of Darrian Williams, police announced a new operation to tackle "serious youth violence" and knife crime.
As part of it, officers were temporarily granted enhanced Stop and Search powers allowing them to stop an individual without needing prior suspicion of criminality, in certain specific areas.
During the 48 hour period 33 people were stopped by officers across Bristol city centre, St Pauls, Easton, Eastville, Ashley Down, Temple and Fishponds.
No weapons were found.
As part of the operation officers say they will also work more with local authorities, education, health and social care bodies to better understand and address the root causes of serious violence.
They will attempt to identify those most at risk of carrying knives or becoming involved in serious violence and stop that from happening.
FOI figures
The figures we have obtained from AS Police are as follows:
Knife crime incidents
- 2023 - 3,862
- 2022 - 3,308
- 2021 - 3,418
- 2020 - 3,129
- 2019 - 3,126
Knife crime deaths
- 2023 - 13
- 2022 - 5
- 2021 - 12
- 2020 - 6
- 2019 - 5
Stop and Search cases
- 2023 - 4,575
- 2022 - 4,471
- 2021 - 5,256
- 2020 - 6,529
- 2019 - 5,289