News / knife crime
Police commander and mayor attempt to allay fears of knife crime
Parents and carers of children at every school in Bristol have received a letter from the city’s police commander and mayor.
The letter attempts to assuage fears about knife crime following recent events which have seen the deaths of Mason Rist and Max Dixon in Knowle West, and Darrian Williams in Easton, as well as a number of other stabbings.
Avon & Somerset Police’s Bristol commander, superintendent Mark Runacres, and mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said in the letter that “we are sure you’ll be as shocked as we are at the death of another child in our city and that you will unite with us in sending all our thoughts to Darrian’s family at this terrible time”.
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They added: “We fully appreciate you may have significant concerns about the safety of your child, and this is something which we do not underestimate…
“We are fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice and significant resources are in place to make sure that happens.”
A plea to stop knife crime at Max Dixon’s and Mason Rist’s memorial in Knowle West – photo: Mia Vines Booth
Runacres and Rees’ letter told parents that enhanced stop and search powers had been put in place across specific areas of Bristol on Friday and Saturday, “and a new police operation has been launched as we continue to work with all our partners to tackle knife crime”.
They added: “Avon and Somerset Police is working closely with Bristol City Council and together we are supporting schools across the city to manage the aftermath of this horrific incident.
“The welfare of our children is a priority for all of us and it’s important your child continues to attend school.”
Regular meetings are now taking place with headteachers “to make sure appropriate support and any necessary safeguarding arrangements are in place”, with extra police patrols near schools over the coming days.
Runacres and Rees also gave advice in their letter on how parents can start conversations with their children about the recent incidents, saying that “no matter how your child is reacting, talking about knife crime or knife carrying is part of the solution and can help save lives”.
“We encourage you to all have age-appropriate conversations with your children at home, to help them understand what’s happened and what they can do if they’re feeling worried.
“Actively talking about the incidents and knife crime at home will also means that if they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come and speak to you.”
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
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