Violent crime rates have soared back to pre-lockdown levels amid fears that numbers could rise even further as lockdown measures are lifted and the economic impact of the coronavirus is felt.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told The Guardian that there is a ‘real risk of violent crime spiking as lockdown is eased’ in the capital after the pandemic sent crime rates plummeting by a quarter in England and Wales.
And it appears Khan’s warning should be heeded after Friday night brought carnage in London as at least three shootings took place – one reportedly involving a sub-machine gun.
Last month saw 17 killings in the city – two more than July 2019. January this year saw 11 homicides in the capital, and February just seven.
There were 19,104 violent crimes in June – compared to 17,264 in February and 18,569 in January.
Mr Khan said he is concerned that ‘the last decade of government austerity, where ministers decimated police and youth services – causing violent crime to rise in London and across the UK’ could be repeated all over again.
Last month saw 17 killings in London – two more than July 2019. January this year saw 11 homicides in the capital, and February just seven. Violent crime rates (pictured) are also soaring
Violent crime monthly figures for June across the West Midlands – which includes Britain’s second-most populated city, Birmingham – was the highest seen in the last year
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said there is a ‘real risk of violent crime spiking as lockdown is eased’ in the capital
West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said crime had ‘bounced back’ since restricting lockdown measures were relaxed.
Violent crime monthly figures for June across the West Midlands – which includes Britain’s second-most populated city, Birmingham – was the highest seen in the last year.
A total of 8,818 violent crimes were reported in May – edging nearer to the 9,131 figure seen in January and 9,193 figure in February.
Mr Jamieson fears young people – who are not working – could get involved in criminal activity due to an abundance of time or missed schooling.
On Tuesday night, a man in his 50s was stabbed to death in on Camden High street. Pictured: Forensics at the scene on Wednesday
Scientific advisers last week warned that serious public disorder in the coming months could ‘overwhelm all attempts’ to control coronavirus and ‘catastrophically’ undermine recovery plans.
The current ‘volatile and highly complex situation’ means the UK will face ‘grave challenges’ in maintaining public order, according to a paper considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) in July.
The academics warn that tensions resulting from the pandemic have become ‘inextricably bound’ with structural inequalities and international events, adding that the military should be on standby to quash a potential break down in law and order.
The police are not prepared to manage a large-scale break down of public order, and the military should be on standby, the Times reported, citing the SAGE document.
The report also discussed the Black Lives Matter movement that gained traction in May and early June after the death of George Floyd in the United States.
On Friday, two people were reportedly shot in Hackney, London, while another two men were shot in Brixton and a third shooting took place in Croydon just yards from West Croydon station.
The first shooting reportedly took place on the Angell Town estate in Brixton at about 7pm.
Forensic officers were pictured collecting evidence after a reported stabbing in Harlesden in the early hours of Saturday morning
Armed Police, Paramedic and Response officers rushed to the scene after reports that 17 shots were fired.
The men were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
Two other people were shot at a silent party – an unlicensed music event – that was being held in Mandeville street in Hackney in East London.
Three men were reportedly detained by officers at Homerton hospital after they transported the victims in a blue BMW to get live saving treatment after being shot in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The detained men had all been at the gathering that was held in Willington court in E5.
Armed officers were scrambled to both Homerton Hospital and Mandeville Street and the hospital was put on lockdown.
Police on scene after reports of a sub-machine gun shooting in Brixton on Friday night
Witnesses reported seeing specialist blood and explosives detection dogs being used to search the area.
Reports suggest a bullet casing and a machete were found on a bridge near the scene of the shootings.
Armed officers were also called to London Road in Croydon in the early hours of Saturday morning as London saw at least its third shooting in one night.
A man believed to be in his 20s was shot at close range near West Croydon station.
The road was cordoned off after reports of the shooting, and a forensic examination has taken place.
Police said no arrests have been made but enquiries into the shooting continue.
Meanwhile, forensic officers were pictured collecting evidence after a reported stabbing in Harlesden in the early hours of Saturday morning.
On Tuesday night, a man in his 50s was stabbed to death in on Camden High street.