Nottingham sees a spike in knife crime with three incidents in a week. Activists demand urgent action and investment for youth support.
Dr. Marcellus Baz wants immediate action. He says “urgent action” is vital now. Baz leads Switch Up, a youth group that keeps kids away from crime. Switch Up plans a peaceful protest outside the Council House next Saturday starting at 10 AM, he said.
A 17-year-old boy was stabbed on Friday at a party in Hounds Gate. Police arrested some people after that and closed off an area near Nottingham Castle. Earlier, police checked a fight between young people on Thursday in Hockley.
Police found a machete during the Hockley fight, and a police officer said it caused alarm. Last Sunday, a 17-year-old boy got stabbed in the chest in Primark by Old Market Square. People saw it happen, police said.
A 16-year-old boy admitted guilt in court for the Primark stabbing. Police say all the cases are separate. Still, people feel troubled. Superintendent Craner spoke about police presence and wants people to report weapon concerns.
Dr. Baz talked after Friday’s stabbing. He said another life was almost lost and families are devastated by violence. He wants politicians to act now, considering it also a health problem. Baz wants long-term plans to stop knife crime.
Baz said youth programs and community groups are strained, but help break the cycle. He wants more community investment; otherwise, the problem will worsen. He wants people to demand change and stand with young people, who need real chances and hope.
Ben Rosser is a youth leader against knife crime and runs The Pythian Club. Rosser feels sad about the rise in stabbings. He thinks poverty and a lack of opportunity cause and fuel knife crime; communities need stronger help, he added.
Rosser said groups help young people by mentoring and providing safe spaces. He says these groups need support and investment to work. Communities must come together to help so kids can have a safer future. Rosser said, “The Time is Now” for change.