How many young people need to die before the government makes this a national emergency?
EASTBOURNE has been left reeling by the shock news that a boy aged just 13 was stabbed in broad daylight by the Pier on Sunday afternoon.
Police were swift to arrest five people, and the teenager has now been discharged from hospital.
Reaction to the news has been strong. Sussex Entrepreneur, Investor and Philanthropist Chris Goodman posted in response: ” How many young people need to die before the government makes this a national emergency, pulls its finger out of its backside and takes meaningful action?”
Chris asks: “Ever heard of Fearless? It allows young people to anonymously report knife crime and those who are carrying knives. It also provides resources and free interactive workshops for schools and youth workers covering knife crime, the law, county lines, and myth-busting.
“Part of Crimestoppers, the programme has been running since 2010, and yet I only found out about it when attending a school with Focus Foundation to hear the heartbreaking story from Martin Cosser at Charlie’s Promise. In fact, nobody I’ve ever asked has heard of this programme.
“Why isn’t the programme delivered in every school in the country? Why hasn’t there been a national TV/radio/social media campaign about it?”
Cllr Kathy Ballard is Eastbourne Borough Council’s cabinet member for community safety.
She said: “It’s a horrific thing that’s happened and my sympathies go out to the family. The council will be working with Sussex Police as officers continue their investigation into the incident, and we ask the public to let the police do their job.”
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, has also spoken out about the stabbing.
He said: “My thoughts are with the young victim and his family. Incidents of this nature are shocking, and I urge anyone with information about it to contact Sussex Police.”
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Tillyer, said: “This is a distressing incident and the young teenage victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“It has been a fast-moving investigation and we have a continued police presence in the area.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened or has information to contact us.
“We are focusing our enquiries on Grand Parade and the junction with Elms Avenue and Cavendish Place and I urge anyone who has information, including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from that area from 4pm to 6pm, to contact us by phoning 101 or report online quoting serial 1096 of 20/09.
“We would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances while the investigation is ongoing.”
Chief Inspector Kara Tombling, Eastbourne district commander, said: “The victim is being released from hospital after being stabbed.
“We understand the concern and distress that a serious incident such as this can cause within our community.
“Officers are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, and there will be an increased police presence in the area while our enquiries continue.
“These officers are there not only to support the investigation, but also to provide reassurance to residents, businesses and those visiting the area.
“We recognise that incidents of violence can understandably make people feel worried about their safety. Please speak to our officers if you have any concerns.
“We are working closely with our partners and the local community to reduce knife crime and serious violence.
“We urge that if you have concerns about someone carrying a knife, report it either to Sussex Police online or phone 101 or through Crimestoppers Fearless.
“Nearly £600,000 is to be spent on making knife crime hotspots in Eastbourne, Crawley and Brighton safer, through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund.
“The Fund will go towards supporting tough police enforcement activity, such as enhanced police patrols, alongside interventions for young people most at risk of being a victim or perpetrator of knife crime.”
Photo and video credits: Sy Martin
