Lewisham Residents Blast Spike in Knife Crime at Packed Meeting
Lewisham locals poured into 1 Lounge on Friday night, furious about the surge in knife crime sweeping their streets. The Good Samaritan Foundation organised the event to rebuild shaky trust between residents and police amid rising tensions.
Top Brass Take the Mic on Knife Crime Crisis
The meeting came hot on the heels of multiple knife attacks in Cross Gate and surrounding areas. It gave the community a rare chance to grill key decision-makers and get updates on plans to make their streets safer.
- Inspectors Adrian Hanna and Duncan Jackson from Lewisham Safer Neighbourhoods police
- Dr Leroy Logan MBE, former Superintendent and founder of the Black Police Association
- Nsikan Etuk, Chair of the Nigerian Police Association
- Rosemarie Ramsay, Chair of Safer Neighbourhoods
- Ambassador Yemi Soile
- Lewisham Violence Reduction Team reps
- Youth Ambassadors David Olokun and Shereka Mcauley from The Good Samaritan Foundation
- Councillor Funmi Ademilua, Director of The Good Samaritan Foundation
- Facilitators Juney Muhammad and John
Community Demands Trust, Respect, and United Action
Voices were loud and clear: confidence in local policing is at rock bottom. Speakers demanded respect for victims and suspects alike, calling for policing rooted in the community’s needs. They urged tighter cooperation between residents, councils, schools, and public services.
The message was blunt — everyone must unite to beat knife crime.
Police and Leaders Promise to Listen and Deliver
“This meeting was an opportunity for us to be clear about the steps we’re taking, but also to listen,” said Inspector Adrian Hanna. “Community trust and cooperation are vital if we’re going to reduce knife crime and build safer neighbourhoods.”
Dr Leroy Logan MBE added, “It was important to bring all sides of the community together. This event allowed honest talk about challenges and how we can support young people to prevent violence.”
Councillor Funmi Ademilua closed with: “Knife crime doesn’t just affect victims; it hits whole families and communities. Tonight was about building dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and showing our young people we stand with them.”
