Garry Forsyth Chief Constable for Bedfordshire Police
Dear Garry,
Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the 2 devastating fatal stabbings in Houghton Regis that took place in the early hours of Sunday 13th November. Our sincere thoughts are with the families and friends and loved ones at this very difficult time. We sincerely hope that the young man who sustained critical injuries, makes a full recovery and receives support for trauma he has experienced.
These young men were killed in the prime of their life when they should have decades ahead of them. We are writing this in the hope you understand the reality of knife crime on our streets and in our schools so lives can be saved.
These senseless stabbings affect not just heartbroken families of the victim that are left behind, but their loved ones, friends and the wider community. The devastation has a ripple effect on everyone involved and the wider community, who sadly have to live in fear in case of repercussions.
To help our community recover we urge you to:
Support the need for additional reassurance patrols by uniformed police in Houghton Regis at this very sad and difficult time.
Campaign for a knife amnesty. Members of our community be offered trauma support.
We recognise that these incidents also have an impact on emergency service workers and appropriate support should be provided.
The Councillors in Houghton Regis are willing to work alongside your team and are available to signpost residents to community support for those who need it.
We also request that the police work with our council and community partners to help tackle knife crime as a matter of urgency.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Antonia Ryan
Labour Party Central Bedfordshire Councillor for Parkside
Martin Kennedy Independent Town Councillor for Tithe Farm
Clare Coplestone
Labour Party Town Councillor for Parkside
Abby Slough Labour Party Town Councillor for Tithe Farm
Chris Slough Labour Party Town Councillor for Tithe Farm
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