Councillor Danny Thorpe
Leader, Royal Borough of Greenwich
Tuesday 6 July 2021
Dear parents, carers and families across Royal Greenwich,
I’m sure you are aware of the tragic stabbing of a teenager in Woolwich yesterday.
We are deeply shocked to hear of this senseless murder and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
When anyone becomes a victim of knife crime, it is a life taken too soon, a family destroyed, and a community devastated. I can’t begin to imagine the pain and suffering his family and friends are going through.
I’m writing to assure you that that we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to find
those responsible and bring them to justice as quickly as possible.
We have also been working closely with schools across Royal Greenwich today to respond to this tragic incident. To that end, the police have now extended dispersal powers until 1pm tomorrow (Thursday 8 July) in the wards listed below.
Dispersal powers enable officers to direct a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave a specified area and not return for a specified period of up to 48 hours. This is effective in the following wards:
- Glyndon
- Woolwich Riverside
- Plumstead
- Charlton
- Shooters Hill
- Middle Park and Sutcliffe
- Eltham South
- Eltham North
- Eltham West
- Greenwich Peninsula
- Woolwich Common
We will be reviewing these activities with a view to extending them if necessary.
The Leader’s Office, Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6PW
020 8921 5659 danny.thorpe@royalgreenwich.gov.uk @DanLThorpe
While knife crime is London-wide issue, worryingly we have been seeing increased violence in Woolwich and other areas in the borough over the last few months. That is why we are writing to every single parent, carer and family tonight, as we need everyone’s help to keep our children and young people safe.
I am asking parents and carers to make sure you know where your children are, where they are going and who they are hanging out with.
I can’t emphasize enough the need to talk with children of all ages about the dangers of carrying any type of weapon. I’m asking every family in Royal Greenwich to have these essential conversations. You play a vital role in stopping knife crime and I need everyone to join forces and work together.
Although many residents tried to help this boy, unfortunately others took photos and videos which were posted on the internet. There are some videos and photos being shared over snapchat and twitter. Out of respect for the victim’s family and friends, please make sure these are not shared.
The Council continues its work in schools and with partners from across Royal Greenwich to deal with knife crime, and is currently working to make sure there is a comprehensive programme of activities for children and young people this summer. You can find details here royalgreenwich.gov.uk/holidayfoodandfun
If you have information that could help with this criminal investigation, please contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101 and quoting reference Cad 5748/05Jul. Or call Crimestoppers anonymous on 0800 555 111.
Finally, I know our community is grieving and the loss of such a young life is a tragedy that affects us all. Let’s do all we can to work together to tackle this evil and keep our young people as safe as we possibly can.
Kind regards,
Councillor Danny Thorpe
Leader, Royal Borough of Greenwich
Councillor Matthew Morrow
Cabinet Member Children & Young People, Royal Borough of Greenwich
Councillor Jackie Smith
Cabinet Member Community Safety & Enforcement , Royal Borough of Greenwich
