Joint statement from Councillor Georgia Gould and Tulip Siddiq MP on stabbing incident

We are devastated that a young man lost his life in South Hampstead last night, and another two young men were injured in the same incident. All our thoughts are with their families and community at this time. Just a few days ago we were opening a new youth and family centre in Kilburn and celebrating the potential of our young people. It is heart-breaking that some of that potential was cut short last night. From youth workers in hospitals and custody suites to trauma informed school networks, the whole community is working to keep our young people safe. Last night is a tragic reminder of how urgent this work is.

An investigation has been launched and we understand two people have been arrested. Anyone with information should contact the Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We are working closely with the Police and there will be additional visible police presence on the streets today in South Hampstead, West Hampstead, Kilburn and St Johns Wood. The Police will provide further updates as their work continues. The Council’s own Community Presence Officers will be in these communities today and over the weekend, speaking with residents, community groups and businesses to provide reassurance and support.

The ongoing tragedy of young lives lost in our community can never be normalised. The Council, as part of its Youth Safety Taskforce, has been working to focus funding and effort to address the issue of knife crime with twelve new projects. As Leader and MP we are calling on the new Government to arrange an urgent COBRA meeting and work with the Mayor, MPs and Council Leaders to end this loss of young lives.

Cllr Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council

Tulip Siddiq MP – Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Kilburn