PM saddened by stabbing spree
Gordon Brown pledges new government initiatives to tackle knife crime after spate of fatal stabbings across England
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Friday, 11, Jul 2008 07:48
Gordon Brown has pledged new government initiatives to tackle knife crime after a spate of fatal stabbings across the country.
The prime minister said he planned to unveil the first-ever cross-government youth crime next week.
The announcement comes after four men, including one teenager, were stabbed death in London on Thursday alone, while a fifth man was murdered in the West Midlands.
Twenty teenagers have been murdered in the capital this year, while on Friday the country was reminded of the killing of Martin Finnegan - the 14-year-old who was stabbed to death by a gang of youths in June last year after exchanging "dirty looks" – when his 16-year-old murderer was convicted at the Old Bailey.
In a statement Downing Street said the prime minister had been in contact with Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Ian Blair and asked to be kept up to date with the murder investigations.
Mr Brown said the stabbings were "shocking and tragic" and offered his condolences to the friends and families of those hurt.
"I have spoken to Sir Ian Blair today about the situation in London, and I know the police are doing everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice," Mr Brown continued.
"I have asked to be kept updated on any developments. I thank the police for their efforts, and urge people to give them any help they can."