Residents concerned about knife crime in the borough after a number of recent incidents met to discuss what can be done in the future – just hours before a man was stabbed to death nearby.
More panic alarms, harsher punishments and engaging youngsters were discussed as possible solutions to knife crime at Clementswood Community Centre, Connaught Road, Ilford on Friday.
Organiser Wilson Chowdhry said: “Residents are alarmed at the rapidly increasing problem with knife crime that we have seen recently, particular in Mayfield ward.
“Our meeting itself was just a matter hours before the stabbing in Ley Street.
“We are all looking for reassurance especially as these incidents are getting too close for comfort.”
Thomas Cudjoe, 29, died in the early hours of Saturday morning after being stabbed in the chest and legs on the forecourt of the Shell petrol station in Ley Street.
No arrests have been made. Action group Anti Knife UK also attended Friday’s meeting, in which there was a call for more panic alarms to be given out and organised activities to keep people off the streets.
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