You may be aware that there has been a series of incidents of serious violence involving young people recently. These largely took place over the weekend of the 25th and 26th February, and then on Friday 3rd March. They were concentrated in the south and centre of the borough, culminating in the fatal stabbing of a 17 year old in Coldharbour ward on Friday afternoon.
There have of course been a number of meetings with the police and other partners and we are making a strategic and joined up response to these issues, with the police taking a lead. The Borough Commander has asked me to let you know that there will be increased levels of policing over the next few days to provide reassurance and to act as a deterrent. He has also said that it is probable that the Section 60 notice which allows stop and search on the grounds of suspicion that a weapon might be being carried will be extended after the current order lapses this afternoon. Further work is being carried out with our schools. Please reassure your constituents that we have a robust response in place, but please also encourage them to pass on any information they have which might be relevant to the police, either by contacting their Safer Neighbourhood Team (details on www.met.police.uk) or by dialling 101.
The Leader of Lambeth Council Steve Reed has issued a statement which can be found by following the link below:
