‘Reducing violence remains mine and the Met’s number one priority’-Det Chief Supt Paul Trevers.

East Area police chief Paul Trevers issues a statement following two tragic murders in one week across East Area.

Over the weekend a violent assault occurred in a residential address in Springfield Drive (Redbridge borough) which is now being treated as a murder investigation. My heart goes out to the victim’s friends, families and loved ones.  Last week, there were incredibly tragic scenes in Chadwell Heath (Barking and Dagenham borough) following the fatal stabbing of a young man aged just 16.  Whilst a male has been arrested and charged, the investigation remains ongoing.

I understand that these incidents will leave members of our communities feeling concerned around their personal safety. I share those concerns and want to stop this violence.  Reducing violence remains my, and the Met’s number one priority and there will be a strong presence of additional officers from our Violent Crime Task Force deployed to the local area in the coming days and weeks. I have asked that they work alongside our Gangs officers, our Violence Suppression officers, our Drug Focus Team officers and our Neighbourhood officers to use proportionate enforcement tactics.  I want them to arrest violent offenders; to patrol known “hotspots” for violence; and to proactively look for people involved, or wanting to be involved in violent crime.  In addition our local Safer Neighbourhood officers will be out patrolling and engaging with you, our communities, and we will continue to work in partnership with the local councils to prevent crime.

If you have any information about these incidents you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call police directly on 101.