Joint statement from Councillor Georgia Gould and Keir Starmer MP

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council and Keir Starmer MP, Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras said:

“We are devastated that a young woman and man lost their lives in two separate incidents in Camden, in Haverstock ward last night.

“Just this weekend, the Queens Crescent festival brought residents together to celebrate everyone who makes Gospel Oak and Haverstock and the wider community so special. The festival represented the hard work of so many leaders and residents who are committed to their neighbourhoods and to making their community a safe space for people to live and for children and young people to grow up in. Now is a time of grief and sadness, and our thoughts are with the families who are experiencing unimaginable loss today.

“These two incidents are unconnected tragedies, but we recognise that the roots of violence are complex and require dedicated and focused effort to address. Camden have created a Safer Camden Network and put officers and resources into leading our work around community and youth safety, and the Network will be deeply involved in working with our residents and understanding their priorities for keeping their neighbourhoods safe.

“The Police are investigating, and the Council are working closely with them. Our community presence officers will be in and around Gospel Oak and Haverstock today, speaking with residents. We would encourage anyone who has concerns or is anxious today to speak to these officers. We also encourage anyone who has information about the incidents to speak to the Police on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 using crime reference numbers CAD 9249/08Sep for the incident on Belmont Street, and CAD 8502/08Sep for the incident on Malden Road.”

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council

Keir Starmer MP, Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras