From Council Estates to County Lines: The Shocking Knife Crisis Endangering Children And Our Frontline Police.

On Friday, Romford saw yet another shocking scene unfold when police chased down a youth who discarded a machete before being detained.

Two things stand out. First, the very real danger police officers face when tackling armed teenagers. A machete in the leg could leave an officer with life-changing injuries, stab vests cannot protect against everything. Yet, taking these weapons off our streets has become part of officers’ everyday reality. It’s almost reached the point where communities react with “oh, another machete”. That normalisation is deeply worrying.

Second, and just as critical, why is a teenager carrying a machete in the first place? Poverty is often raised when discussing knife crime, and while there are many complex causes, one theme continues to emerge: vulnerable children being drawn into gangs and drug running.

One anti-knife crime campaigner recently described how a mother came forward in despair after her 14-year-old son was arrested for selling drugs. Her heartbreaking admission? The boy was paying most of the household bills.

Children as young as 14, often from council estates, are being recruited into county lines networks. They act as mules, ferrying drugs across boroughs and becoming immersed in a dangerous world where knives are carried as both tools and symbols of power.

The reality is stark: throwing money at knife crime has not worked. Endless meetings and strategies alone do not work. What’s needed is early intervention, identifying children at risk and supporting them before they ever consider picking up a knife.

This cannot be left to the police alone. A genuine joint approach is required, from parents, schools, community groups, youth services, and residents – to stop children being lost to gangs and violence.

Knife crime across London is out of control. The weapons are getting bigger, the risks greater, and the impact on families, communities, and frontline officers is devastating.

Across London, knife crimes recorded by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in the 12 months to March reached around 16,344 offences, up from 14,939 the previous year.

In England and Wales, up to March 2025, there were about 53,047 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument, showing a large rise over the past decade.

According to the Havering Serious Violence Strategy, a large number of residents believe knife crime has worsened in their areas over the last year, and many feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.