Call for action after stabbings across BCP

As previously reported, a man in his 20s was stabbed in Bournemouth Lower Gardens on August 26. 

The incident marks the third stabbing to take place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the past week although the incidents are not believed to be linked.

On Tuesday, August 20 a nine-year-old girl was stabbed in Gilder Close, Christchurch, with a 28-year-old man later charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

On Friday, August 23 an 18-year-old man was stabbed on Vale Road in Poole and remains in life-threatening condition.

A 15-year-old boy was later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and threatening with a bladed article.

Detectives also arrested nine other people on suspicion of offences including attempted murder, affray and assisting an offender.

PCC calls for support of MPs

(Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick said he is unable to comment on an on-going investigation but acknowledges that recent incident have left people concerned.

“Dorset has a low rate of knife crime, with recent figures showing violence with injury reports falling by 4% in the county, but I recognise this means very little when people continue to be hurt, leading to communities being left worried and angry.

“Knife crime is a scourge on our society, and the searing devastation caused by those who use a knife needs to stop.

"I know Dorset Police is fully committed to tackling these despicable offences, but as I have said before, this is an issue which cannot be dealt with by policing alone.”

Mr Sidwick added that the issue is being tackled through robust enforcement and hotspot patrols along with PCC funding to ensure greater visibility of officers in key locations.

He said they are supporting knife crime education in schools as well as close partnerships and lobbying of government ministers.

“I have worked with every stakeholder partner I could find who is willing to address this issue on multiple fronts, not only from a policing perspective, but on awareness-raising projects such as Changes Are Made with the family of Cameron Hamilton, preventative education and distraction projects and campaigns.

“A significant amount of work is taking place locally to combat and robustly deal with those committing knife crime, but those in greater positions of power must go further, and fast.

“Earlier this month I wrote to the Policing Minister asking for a commitment to help fund a Violence Reduction Unit in our county.

“This has been a priority for me since I came to office, and I remain resolute in my determination to deliver it for the people of Dorset.

“Solving the issue of knife crime is an issue which transcends local policing. Schemes like the ongoing zombie knife and machete surrender project are a start, but as a nation it is time we go further to turn the tide.

“I will continue to work with anyone and any group which wants to deal with this serious issue.

“I call on all Dorset’s MPs to work with me to tackle violent crime in all its forms, along with addiction, knife crime and violence against women and girls.

“You have my number, give me a call and let’s work together to make Dorset the safest county.”

Bournemouth MPs speak out

Jessica Toale and Tom Hayes, MPs for Bournemouth West and East, have spoken out following the recent stabbing saying they are working to tackle knife crime.

Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, said: “It is extremely concerning to see yet another stabbing in the BCP area - the fifth since I was elected last month.

"Last night’s incident in Bournemouth is currently under investigation and police are working to find the person or persons responsible.

"Thankfully, it appears that this victim's injuries are not life-threatening but that does not mean it is without impact.

"Knife crime, of which we are seeing far too much on our streets, affects not just the victim - it affects the whole community.

"Residents and visitors deserve to feel safe in our town.

"This latest incident happened during a warm August Bank Holiday evening in the popular Lower Gardens, a place families and friends come together to enjoy.

"We should all be able to do that without the fear of violence crime.

"Local police have reassured me there will be an increased police presence in the town centre but it's clear we need much wider intervention to prevent this much too frequent knife crime.

"This problem isn't unique to Bournemouth. Nationally, we have seen a worrying rise in knife crime (up 80% since 2015), particularly among older teenage boys.

"As your Member of Parliament in the new UK Government, I will continue to work with colleagues to deliver on our mission to tackle knife crime - introducing bans on the most dangerous types of knives, tougher sentences for possession and a Young Future’s programme to prevent at risk young people from falling into crime."

(Image: Tom Hayes)

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: “Once again the breaking news is about a knife attack.

"Frankly it stops becoming breaking news when knife attacks happen this regularly.

"As a candidate I heard concerns about knife crime constantly on doorsteps.

"As a new MP, I am committed to figuring out what is going on and ensuring the police can tackle it.

"I’m meeting the Chief Constable first thing tomorrow morning and this is at the very top of my long list of issues that I need to raise to make our town safe again.”