Shopkeeper Stabbed in Brazen Church Street Robbery
A Church Street shopkeeper was stabbed this morning during a shocking robbery by two boys, thought to be just 13 to 15 years old, according to eyewitnesses.
Police Delay Fuels Anger Among Traders
Onlookers say it took police a staggering 30 minutes to arrive. Fortunately, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be serious. The attack happened just yards from the spot where Rijkaard Siafa was fatally assaulted back in April on Surrey Street.
Scotland Yard confirmed: “Police were called at approximately 11.20am on Thursday, July 11, to reports of a stabbing in Church Street. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man suffering a stab injury. Two males were arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH and robbery. Both remain in custody. A crime scene remains in place.”
Businesses Demand More Police Presence Amid Rising Crime
Traders at Surrey Street Market and Church Street have voiced frustration, claiming they’re left to fend for themselves by police, the council, and the local Business Improvement District (BID). Despite public money funding private security patrols, shopkeepers say daylight drug dealing and violence are rampant.
“We’re ignored by the police,” one trader said. “We desperately need a stronger police presence to tackle the rising crime.”
Community group MyEnds, backed by £1.6 million in MOPAC grants, works to curb gang and drug violence in croydon/" title="Croydon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Croydon. Yet despite these efforts, 11 people have lost their lives on Croydon’s streets this year.
Local Authorities Under Pressure Over Crime Crackdown
Croydon Council’s Neighbourhood Safety Board, chaired by Donna Murray-Turner since 2018, hasn’t held a meeting since 2019, raising eyebrows about local oversight of policing efforts in the borough.
Superintendent Mitch Carr, head of community policing in Croydon, said: “We acknowledge the concerns of those who work in Surrey Street. Our officers regularly patrol the area and engage with market traders. But improving safety needs a full partnership approach, involving the council, BID, and community groups as well as police.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Knife Attack
The Metropolitan Police have issued a witness appeal regarding the Church Street stabbing. Anyone with information should call 101 or reach out via social media @MetCC quoting CAD3082/11Jul. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
