Young people encouraged to speak up on knife crime

The campaign is being launched after a teenager was stabbed to death outside Seaford station

Young people in East Sussex are being encouraged to make an anonymous report if they know someone who regularly carries a knife.

A new campaign on Fearless, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, will be active across various social media platforms until the end of December, and will offer an untraceable way for knife crime to be reported.

It follows the death of 16-year-old Joshua Ingram from Newhaven, who was stabbed outside Seaford railway station in September.

Another 16-year-old boy has been charged with his murder.

Local teachers and others who work with young people are being offered resources and training to help prevent knife crime, while a specialist worker will also spend a day in each of the area's three secondary schools - Seaford Head, Seahaven Academy and Peacehaven Community School.

The initiative is being funded by the Lewes and Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership.

Neighbourhood youth officer, PC Ruth Parnell-Mace, of Sussex Police, said: "I know all too well the reluctance young people have when reporting concerns to police due to fear of reprisals...

"By working with Fearless.org we hope that young people will feel more able and confident to tell someone what they know."

Deputy leader of Lewes District Council, Christine Robinson said the initiative was a valuable addition to other activities targeted at preventing "a re-occurence of the recent tragedy which... had a devastating effect on the family and friends of Josh Ingram".

Annabelle Goodenough, from Crimestoppers, said: "Our aim is to both educate on the dangers of carrying a knife, as well as to encourage a young person who does know who regularly carries a weapon to speak up about crime without fear of retribution.

"We want to dispel myths around carrying knives and highlight the serious consequences involved."

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