London is now witnessing an “epidemic of violence”, Reform UK’s mayoral candidate Howard Cox has claimed after three people were critically injured in two shocking attacks in south London.
Meanwhile Tory Susan Hall – who is also challenging Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan – has pledged to “take knives off our streets” should she be elected.
Shocking footage of a vicious fight on a train between Shortlands and Beckenham Junction railway stations last night has been widely circulated on social media, with the victim left fighting for his life.
And hours later, two more people were seriously injured in a fight at Kennington tube station – one of them apparently an innocent bystander who tried to intervene when violence flared.
Mr Cox told Express.co.uk: “Sadiq Khan cannot now deny that violent crime has become increasingly rife in London, all under his watch.
“These latest hideous incidents among so many recently could have been prevented had he as the Police and Crime Commissioner ordered Sir Mark Rowley to take police out of administrative desk work and onto the streets.
“Just five to ten percent of police that are available are actually on the streets at any one time.”
Mr Cox continued: “It doesn’t take more than one brain cell to recognise more visible policing will reduce this increasing epidemic of violence. Good Samaritans should not be doing the police’s job.
“As London’s next Mayor, I will sack any Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police who does not put considerably more bobbies on the beat and I will lobby the head of the British Transport Police and order TfL to increase police presence on our public transport.”
Mr Cox’s remarks notwithstanding, the incidents in question are both being dealt with by British Transport Police rather than the Met.
Ms Hall told Express.co.uk: “This is as upsetting as it is frightening. To have to witness something like this on your commute is terrible.
“It’s no wonder people don’t feel safe.
“We simply must do everything we can to get knives off our streets and I am determined to make that happen.”
Mr Cox’s remarks notwithstanding, the incidents in question are both being dealt with by British Transport Police rather than the Met.
A BTP statement issued last night said: “Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the suspect for a stabbing at Beckenham Junction.
“You will see an enhanced police presence across stations in the area throughout the night and into tomorrow.
“We do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.”
No arrests had been made and enquiries were ongoing, BTP added.
In relation to the Kennington incident, SIO Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, also of BTP, said: “We understand that people will be worried by this senseless attack.
“Our teams have been working throughout the night, aided by CCTV footage, forensics and detailed accounts from witnesses at the scene.
“We believe that one of the victims was injured after bravely stepping in to try to prevent the attack.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Mr Khan via the Mayor of London’s Office for comment, as well as Mr Rowley via the Metropolitan Police.
