‘Violence on our streets is out of control’ – residents speak out after Ilford stabbing
The stabbing last week outside Ilford station has led to a strong response from readers who say they no longer feel safe - Credit: Archant
Violent crime on Ilford’s streets is running out of control, according to residents who have spoken out after a shopper was stabbed in the town centre.
The Recorder has been flooded with comments from people saying they no longer feel safe after the attack which left the pavement stained with blood.
The man, in his 20s, had been shopping with a friend when he was stabbed in front of horrified passers-by outside Ilford station, Cranbrook Road.
He is expected to make a full recovery from the wounds to his chest and arm.
Police are still hunting the culprits as they continue to appeal for witnesses.
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Redbridge borough commander Det Ch Supt Sue Williams said this week: “We will take whatever action we can to bring these people to justice.
“We don’t know why the attackers were as brazen as they were. They were clearly after this individual but we don’t know what the cause is.”
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In a poll on this website, the majority, 56 per cent, said they no longer feel safe from crime in Redbridge and a further 28pc said they have never felt safe in the borough.
One resident said: “I’ve lived in Ilford for 50 years. I used to feel safe walking around the town centre after dark.
“Now it’s too scary, I drive everywhere.”
Thursday’s stabbing follows a string of increasingly public attacks by criminals, who seemingly have no fear of being caught.
A man was stabbed in High Road, Ilford, in front of dozens of people in September. Three daylight shootings in less than a week in July saw four men gunned down in Ilford and Goodmayes.
Campaigner and Seven Kings resident Danny O’Brien, who founded Anti-Knife UK, said some criminals seek out violence in places as public as possible for notoriety and “respect” among their peers.
He added: “The more people who see it, the more street cred they get.”
• To add your voice to our poll, click on the related link at the top right of this page
