england/lewisham/”>Lewisham residents slammed rising knife crime at a packed public meeting on Friday night. Held at Deptford Lounge and organised by The Good Samaritan Foundation, the event aimed to boost trust between locals and police in a tense climate.
Heavy-Hitters Speak Out on Knife Crime Surge
The meeting followed a string of knife attacks in New wales/cross-wales/”>cross-england/”>cross/”>cross-gate/”>Cross Gate and nearby areas. It gave locals a chance to grill decision-makers and hear updates on safety plans.
- Inspectors Adrian Hanna and Duncan Jackson from Lewisham Safer Neighbourhoods police
- Dr Leroy Logan MBE, former Superintendent and Black Police Association founder
- Nsikan Etuk, Chair of the Nigerian Police Association
- Rosemarie Ramsay, Safer Neighbourhoods Chair
- Ambassador Yemi Soile
- Representatives from the Lewisham Violence Reduction Team
- Youth Ambassadors David Olokun and Shereka Mcauley from The Good Samaritan Foundation
- Councillor Funmi Ademilua, Director of The Good Samaritan Foundation
- Facilitators Juney Muhammad and Royston John
Calls for Trust, Respect, and Community Action
The meeting laid bare concerns over low confidence in local policing and the urgent need to rebuild trust. Speakers stressed respect for both victims and suspects and pushed for community-focused neighbourhood policing.
Stronger cooperation between residents, councils, schools, and public services was another key theme. The message was clear: everyone must work together to tackle knife crime.
Police and Leaders Pledge to Listen and Act
“This meeting was an opportunity for us to be clear about the steps we’re taking, but also to listen,” said Inspector Adrian Hanna. “Community trust and cooperation are vital if we’re going to reduce knife crime and build safer neighbourhoods.”
Dr Leroy Logan MBE added, “It was important to bring all sides of the community together. This event allowed honest talk about challenges and how we can support young people to prevent violence.”
Councillor Funmi Ademilua closed with: “Knife crime doesn’t just affect victims; it hits whole families and communities. Tonight was about building dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and showing our young people we stand with them.”
