PCC statement following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Bristol
“I am saddened to learn about the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Bristol on Wednesday evening. I would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, as their PCC, but also as a fellow parent.
“Devastating incidents like this will understandably create heartache and raise concern among the wider community.
“I encourage residents who have concerns to reach out to their local officers. If you have any information that may help Avon and Somerset Police with their investigation, please do contact them directly via 101 and reference 5224039827. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers, either online or via 0800 555 111.
“I understand that knife crime is very concerning for residents across Avon and Somerset. I want to meet and talk to people to hear their concerns on this issue, so that I can then feed this back to the police, our partners and other local communities so I will be arranging a meeting between the police and community leaders to share information about what is happening and next steps.”
“I have asked the Chief Constable to explore the full range of practice options that the Police have at their disposal for prevention and deterrent, and to explore options of bring into the force psychologists and academics to audit the best practice for the prevention of knife crime. I really want to understand why young men feel the need to carry knives and commit violence and how to stop it.”
“I would also like to reassure communities that there is proactive preventative work underway to support young people, youth professionals and local community groups through the Bristol Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).
“The Bristol VRP works collaboratively with partners to deliver a public health approach in reducing and preventing violence. Together they offer a range of youth support services, from school initiatives, mentoring to outreach youth work to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences on knife crime.
Myself, Avon and Somerset Police, the local Councils and communities are all committed to preventing knife crime, and stopping young people coming to harm.”
PCC Mark Shelford
Support Services
Below are some of the support services that are available:
- Childline: call 0800 11 11 (under 19 years)
- Cruse Bereavement (daytime support)
Email: bath@cruse.org.uk or somerset@cruse.org.uk
Website: www.cruse.org.uk - Hope again: a youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support
Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk. - Kooth: an online mental health community
Website: www.kooth.com - Off The Record have a local in person listening service available
Website: www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk - Samaritans: call 116 123
- SAMM: call 01214722912 or Text 07342 888570
- SHOUT 24/7 Support if you need to talk (or text, or online chat):
Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 - Support Breakthrough (18+): supporting survivors of trauma
Email: services@traumabreakthrough.org
Website: www.traumabreakthrough.org/getting-help - Victim Support, Homicide Service: call 03003031984
How to report information
You can submit information by calling the police on 101 or completing their online appeals form. Please give the reference number 5223175298.
Anonymous reporting
Alternatively, you can also contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. Please include the case reference number 5224039827.
Fearless.org is the dedicated youth service from independent charity CrimeStoppers, it provides young people with the opportunity to give information about crime 100% anonymously.
The charity guarantees:
- You will not be asked to reveal your name or any personal details.
- Your call will not be recorded.
- We have no caller line display, no call back facility (e.g. 1471) and cannot trace a call.
- Calls to CrimeStoppers are free from all phones, landline or mobile, and will not show up on your bill.
- Our specially trained call agents will support you through the process and make sure your report contains no information that could identify you.
- We do not make a note of gender, accents, apparent age or ethnicity of any caller.
- When you report via our online form, you can do so safe in the knowledge that your device’s IP addresses are overwritten, masked and can never be traced.