15 year old stabbed in Malden Road - Second gang attack fuels 'climate of fear' in Queen's Crescent
Published: 14 April 2011
by JOSIE HINTON
RESIDENTS and councillors have described a “climate of fear” in Queen’s Crescent after two stabbings took place in two weeks.
Police have arrested two teenagers after a 15-year-old was stabbed in the back and the arm last Thursday evening in Malden Road.
Just two weeks earlier, a 21-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed in the same street in broad daylight on March 25.
Police said the earlier victim – who was stabbed in the shoulder and smashed around the head with a bottle following an argument – had a lucky escape and was discharged from hospital with minor injuries.
Detectives investigating the attacks say there is no evidence to suggest they are linked, but are stepping up patrols and youth engagement activities in the wake of the incidents.
Councillor Abdul Hai, cabinet member for community protection, said a dispersal zone had been introduced at short notice to clamp down on youths congregating in the area.
He said: “It’s to prevent people congregating and planning attacks. We want to send a message that we don’t want young people coming into Haverstock and Gospel Oak and causing harm to our residents.”
Shopkeepers said the road remained cordoned off until late into the evening after Thursday’s attack, which took place at around 8.40pm, and buses were diverted.
The attacks show a worrying repeat of incidents last summer when two teenagers were stabbed within minutes of each other after witnesses reported watching up to 20 youths brawling at the junction of Malden Road and Prince of Wales Road.
Haverstock councillor Matt Sanders said it was time for the police and council to “get to grips” with the area’s problems.
He said: “Unfortunately these incidents happen with depressing regularity. For months after an incident people are scared, nervous and unsure of themselves.
“That’s the saddest thing for residents, we feel like we are in this cycle of things happening. Each time we work hard to build up confidence in the community again.”
He said work needed to be done to improve the appearance of the area such as cleaning up graffiti, filling empty shops, and upgrading estates.
“We need to show that this is an area we are proud of and that gang fighting isn’t welcome here. I think all the
cabinet members need to look at this as a serious issue. We also need a strong police presence – not just in the days
following an attack but all year around.”
Acting Inspector Ray Doran said the incidents had involved a mixture of youths from Camden and outside the borough.
“The area has a successful community centre and football pitches that are popular with youths from the local area and beyond, which leads to groups of youths congregating,” he said.
He added that the police unit set up to tackle youth violence was being increased in size.