"Devastating": Twickenham reacts to fatal stabbing of 18-year-old man
Twickenham locals have mourned the “tragic” and “devastating” stabbing of an 18-year-old man killed on a football pitch in broad daylight on Tuesday.
The playing fields at Craneford Way near Richmond College were sealed off after police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing at 4.45pm on October 12. The victim was pronounced dead at 5.54pm.
Residents in the area say the stabbing was “tragic” and “shocking”, with some saying the police need to patrol the area more.
But some locals think the police are proactive enough in the community and there’s not much more they could be doing.
Resident Joanna Baker, 65, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m just very upset this is happening in and around this area.
“We see quite a lot of groups congregating in the park, so it’s just very concerning.
She added: “The police should be monitoring the area regularly.
“I think it’s maybe helpful if they do have a regular meeting with the schools and the colleges and just maybe walk around the streets just to show their faces.”
Alistair Potter, 66 who lives opposite the park, said: “I saw police and students milling around, obviously very upset, and ambulances too. This is all a bit shocking really.”
He added: “Police presence is not very far away of course so they are out quite quickly.”
Wyn Richard, 71, said the incident was “tragic”, but added that he felt Twickenham was a safe area with a regular police presence.
Margaret Hine, another resident, said: “I’m glad I didn’t take my dog up there for an evening walk, and there’s lots of us women that do walk their dogs, be it early or late.
“It’s yet again something else that Twickenham is just a disaster area.”
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Liberal Democract councillor for St Margarets and North Twickenham at Richmond Council, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear this dreadful news and our immediate thoughts are with the bereaved family.
“On behalf of residents, I have been in touch with the police to request additional police patrols in the locality and understand that they will be upping their presence in the coming days.”
He added: “The news of this fatal stabbing will of course generate a lot of discussion locally, but it is important that, as a community, we avoid assumptions and hearsay; and allow the police to undertake their important work.
“If you happen to have any information relating to the incident, I urge you to please contact the police.”
Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council said: “Last night’s incident is devastating and my thoughts are with the teenager’s family.
“The police are investigating and I hope those responsible are bought to justice.”