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Man fights for survival after being stabbed in the face
A 28-year-old man is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the face outside a bar in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The man was attacked after a fight broke out between four men late on Tuesday night. Paramedics rushed to the scene and found the man "bleeding seriously" from a face wound, with the weapon still lodged in his face.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The man was found with some sort of knife stuck in his face. He was only treated at the scene for about five minutes and was then rushed to ARI."
A major investigation was launched, but police have not been able to interview the victim due to his "critical" condition.
The victim is believed to be Polish, but police have ruled out his nationality as a motive for the assault.
Andrew May, a councillor who represents the area, said he was disgusted by the attack. He said: "I can't quite believe such a thing could happen. For someone to be knifed in the face is hard to imagine. To hear a knife has been used in that way is shocking. How another human being could do that to someone is beyond belief." A 28-year-old man is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the face outside a bar in Aberdeen, Scotland. ... more -
'Stop and search' could be making gangs stronger
A former head of the Metropolitan Police' homicide prevention unit has spoken out about 'stop and search,' claiming it 'could make gangs stronger and the problem worse.'
Laura Richards said that the London's Met. Police had 'ignored recommendations from numerous reports on how to tackle knife crime - such as targeting known individuals.'
"I think a lot more could be being done as opposed to just a hard edged enforcement around stop and search," she said.
"...we're seeing a number of guys committing the murders are already marginalised, already excluded and we are trying those kind of tactics on those individuals, I fear we just make the problem worse."
Is Ms Richards right? The current measures don't seem to be having the desired effect, but are the methods really making it worse? A former head of the Metropolitan Police' homicide prevention unit has spoken out about 'stop and search,' claiming it ... more -
Gun Crime London
As the number of teenagers murdered in London escalates, Dewi Bruce-Konuah talks to the friends of murdered 15 year-old Billy Cox, about the causes of youth violence. As the number of teenagers murdered in London escalates, Dewi Bruce-Konuah talks to the friends of murdered 15 year-old Billy Cox, ab... more
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Star Trek blade seized in knife amnesty
This 5ft blade was handed over to police in the latest knife amnesty being promoted by the police. A police spokesman in Gloucester said "It is a particularly nasty weapon that can, literally, take someone's head off. We are very glad it is off the streets and we want more weapons handed in."
They are hoping that the picture will help to publicise the amnesty and make sure more knives will be handed in, do you think it will work? This 5ft blade was handed over to police in the latest knife amnesty being promoted by the police. A police spokesman in Gloucester sa... more -
Two more fatal stabbings in the UK
A 17-year-old is the victim of a fight in south London involving up to eight people and a 16-year-old is stabbed at a Manchester party.
The teenager from Croydon in south London sustained a serious wound to the neck and a man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with his death.
The victim in Harpurhey in Manchester received a puncture wound. Paramedics tried to treat him, but he died on the way to hospital. A 17-year-old is the victim of a fight in south London involving up to eight people and a 16-year-old is stabbed at a Manchester party... more -
Knife possession charges drop despite wave of stabbings
According to figures released by Scotland Yard, the number of people charged with knife possession has fallen by half in the past four years. "In 2004, 2,810 people were charged with possession of a knife or bladed article. But in the 12 months to April this year, the number fell to 1,361." Meanwhile, 22 young people have been stabbed to death in London this year so far.
The British Crime Survey says knife crime rates are stable, but police and communities say they disagree.
I wonder what accounts for the drop in charges? According to figures released by Scotland Yard, the number of people charged with knife possession has fallen by half in the past four... more -
Telly star to save our streets
Telly star Brooke Kinsella has teamed up with the News of the World for the final Save Our Streets Roadshow.
She will join a powerful panel of professionals and social commentators to debate how we can tackle the wave of violence gripping our nation.
Brooke has led calls against knife and gun crime on behalf of her murdered brother Ben demanding tougher laws to prevent other young people meeting the same tragic fate as him.
Ben was just 16 when he was stabbed to death in June after he tried to break up a fight outside a pub near his home in Islington, North London.
Brooke said: “It's great the News of the World is asking such tough questions. I back the campaign 100 per cent."
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30614969872
The Save Our Streets roadshow gives you the chance to meet police, politicians, community leaders and families who have been victims of crime AND importantly to have your say.
The final roadshow is on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at London City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, More London, London, SE1 2AA.
The panel will be chaired by former Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross, the City and also includes:
His Honour Gerald Butler QC – Former judge
Iain Duncan Smith – Politician and campaigner for social justice
Shaun Bailey – Inner City Youth Worker
Sir Paul Stephenson – Deputy Police Commissioner
Admission is free but strictly by ticket only.
For tickets email: saveourstreets@notw.co.uk
For more information: www.notw.co.uk
Come and have your say. Telly star Brooke Kinsella has teamed up with the News of the World for the final Save Our Streets Roadshow. ... more -
Facebook waterfight turns violent, nine arrested
A waterfight organised on Facebook reportedly turned sour "as visitors in the park reported seeing men "flashing" their weapons." And unfortunately they don't mean their supersoaker 8000+.
Police had to call in back-up after the fun in the sun turned into a stand-off with police, one man was shot with a stun gun after he set his pitbull to attack an officer, 3 children were reportedly thrown from their horses after the ruckus frightened them. Reports claim that dogs were used to break up the troublemakers and nine arrests were made, for offences ranging from attacking police, public disorder, affray and handling stolen goods. A waterfight organised on Facebook reportedly turned sour "as visitors in the park reported seeing men "flashing" their... more -
'Option to knife friends removed' from Facebook
Anti-knife campaigners have attacked Facebook for allowing a 'disgusting' knife game, in which members could 'shank' (a street term for stab) each other, on their site.
The controversial option had appeared in a list of options in the Superpoke! application, which allows users to send virtual actions such as hugs, kisses and winks to any other user. Users could also indulge in topical activities such as riding a Tardis or the Tour De France with the friends, and taking sexy back from their buddies but it's the option to virtually drive a knife into them that's drawn wrath.
The uncle of Rob Knox, the Harry Potter actor who was stabbed to death in May, told The Sun newspaper:
“Why the hell would a social networking site for teenagers put something like this forward? If the authorities really want to get tough on knife crime, the CEO or directors of Facebook should be arrested for inciting violence.”
The Press Association reports the shank icon now appears to have been removed from Facebook. Anti-knife campaigners have attacked Facebook for allowing a 'disgusting' knife game, in which members could 'shank... more -
'London's more violent than LA'
Well that's what soul singer Seal thinks. Speaking to Sky News he spoke out against the rise of violent crime in the UK, putting possible blame on the 'deconstruction of family values' as well as the rise in internet use.
Speaking to reporters prior to his Shepherd Bush gig he said:
"LA is no more dangerous than London; in fact you could say it's less so, but I think it's more dangerous all over the world – we live in a very reckless age."
"Over a period of time we've witnessed the deconstruction of family values and I think that's the problem.
"It's only going to get better when things change in the family – everything begins at home."
You think he's got a point or is it someone just bringing up this week' hot topic to try and get a few extra album sales?
There's a video of the interview at the link. Well that's what soul singer Seal thinks. Speaking to Sky News he spoke out against the rise of violent crime in the UK, putting ... more -
One in five 14- and 15-year olds admits to carrying a weapon
Almost one in five 14 and 15-year-olds said they had carried a weapon in the past year, according to the results of a study released today.
The survey of 1,426 teenagers by Portsmouth University researchers revealed that some 60% of those who carried a weapon said they did so for self-defence. 5% had taken a weapon to school, while 30% said they had done so during activities with the Scouts or cadets. The vast majority of the young people, 71%, felt safer in school than outside.
Only 20 of the youngsters surveyed admitted carrying a weapon for the purposes of an attack.
The study was carried out among pupils in Southampton last November and was commissioned by Hampshire Police after the fatal stabbing of two young people in the city.
Report author Professor Carol Hayden said it showed a lower rate of weapons carrying and gang membership than some national surveys.
It sent a reassuring message about the majority of young people, she said, but did raise concerns about a minority.
Isn't one in five an incredibly high number of young people to be carrying weapons? In a class of 30 students, that's 6 people with a knife or some other potentially dangerous object hidden in their pocket or schoolbag. Did such high numbers of kids carry weapons when you were at school? And what do you think kids are carrying weapons for? Because they're scared of being bullied or attacked? Because they feel powerless and have no other means of 'expressing' themselves? Because everyone else does? And if we can work out the reasons for kids carrying weapons, can we stop them from wanting to do so? Who is responsible for preventing these kids from reaching for weapons in the first place? Almost one in five 14 and 15-year-olds said they had carried a weapon in the past year, according to the results of a study released t... more -
Young people fear 'street life'
According to a new research study, which was conducted by Media Research, 20% of men under 24 have been threatened with some type of weapon and 47% of those questioned know someone who has been threatened.
11% had apparently been asked to become part of a gang with 15% feeling pressure to carry a weapon with almost double that knowing someone who carried a weapon.
"More than half felt the UK was less safe than a year ago and 78% said they did not feel safe walking the streets."
How do you feel walking the streets? What's your thoughts on the research findings?
Image: Flickr// Johnnyb4 According to a new research study, which was conducted by Media Research, 20% of men under 24 have been threatened with some type of w... more -
Boy, 12, pleads with his mother to get off rail tracks seconds before she is kille...
A boy of 12 began a desperate race to save his mother after finding a suicide note at their home.
Veronica Bell's son Jordan sped on his bike to the nearby train station, where he found her jumping down from the platform on to the track.
He pleaded with 41-year-old Mrs Bell not to kill herself for the sake of his two little sisters, whom she had just dropped at school.
The youngster's emotional appeal seemed to have worked and the mother of seven got out of the way of one train.
But as she tried to climb back up to safety, Jordan saw a second one hit her.
The driver of the trans-Pennine express put on the emergency brakes and sounded a warning after spotting her on the track 100 yards ahead, but could not stop in time.
Mrs Bell was said to be depressed after being arrested for an alleged assault on a 20-year-old man during a party at her home earlier this month.
An inquest will be held but relatives believe she was trying to get off the track when she died.
British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy which happened at 10.30am on Thursday at Manchester's Belle Vue Station.
Jordan's older brother Chris Clark, 19, said the youngster followed her to the station a few hundred yards away from their home in Gorton after becoming concerned by the note which ended with the words 'I'm going soon.'
Veronica Bell was hit by a train at Manchester's Belle Vue Station
He said: 'He knew something was wrong and had followed her. Jordan was talking to her, telling her to think of his sisters. She told him she was scared.
'From what he has told me, one train came by but she got out of the way. She just couldn't do it.
'He was talking to her and she seemed she was going to get back on the platform. She had put her bag back up. Then another train came and she looked round - and screamed.'
Mr Clark said his brother was traumatised. 'He was a mummy's boy, really protective of his mum, and followed her everywhere. He is devastated.'
Mrs Bell had been arrested over an assault at the family home on July 6. She was celebrating her 41st birthday with family members when a fracas broke out involving a knife. A man was treated for stab wounds which were not life threatening.
Mr Clark said his mother had never been arrested before and feared her younger children - aged between nine and 15 - would be taken away from her.
'She was always a happy mum who lived for her children,' said Mr Clark. 'After she was arrested she just wasn't herself. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten.' A boy of 12 began a desperate race to save his mother after finding a suicide note at their home. ... more -
RAW Project LB Brent
The RAW project was developed by In-volve, a voluntary sector organisation. RAW is the name of a 16 week, high intensity, personal development process for young people to assist them in becoming the best that they can be. The RAW project was developed by In-volve, a voluntary sector organisation. RAW is the name of a 16 week, high intensity, personal dev... more
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Another teenager dies in a stabbing attack
The 18-year-old was found in Guildford Road, South Lambeth with a stab wound to the stomach and was rushed to hospital but died an hour later. A 16-year-old boy is being questioned over the attack which has left residents bemused that something like this could happen on their doorstep.
Edward Skurfield, 19, who lives in Guildford Road said: "I have lived here for three years and my friend has lived here for 11 years and we have not heard of any knife crime in that time in this area."
This tragedy will no doubt be more fuel on the flames of panic that surround the issue of knife crime in the UK. With government figures showing that crime is actually falling, why is there so much news of knife crime and teenage killers? Are the government figures wrong? The 18-year-old was found in Guildford Road, South Lambeth with a stab wound to the stomach and was rushed to hospital but died an hou... more -
No more nike stabs?
Interesting week for Nike...first tales of them producing footwear for the US military, and now rumours they're removing airstabs from circulation against a rising wave of knife crime.
Somehow I don't think this is going to help, and knowing a few people who've actually been jumped for their nikes - file under irony.
d Interesting week for Nike...first tales of them producing footwear for the US military, and now rumours they're removing airstabs... more -
Britain on alert for deadly new knife with exploding tip that freezes victims'...
Senior police officers have been warned to look out for a new knife which can inject a ball of compressed gas into its victim that instantly freezes internal organs.
The 'wasp knife', which can deliver a ball of compressed gas capable of killing its victim at the press of a button, may be heading for Britain, the Metropolitan Police fear.
A needle in the tip of the blade shoots out the frozen ball of gas which instantly balloons to the size of a basketball, freezing organs.
The Metropolitan Police have told colleagues in the West Midlands to be on the lookout for the blade, which is designed to kill sharks and bears.
Police are concerned that the £200 weapon could fall into the wrong hands.
The American-made weapon is sold to hunters and divers and injects the frozen gas when the small handle-mounted trigger is pressed.
The manufacturer describes it as perfect for downed pilots, soldiers and security guards and boasts that it will "drop many of the world's largest land predators".
It can snap-freeze all tissue and organs in the area surrounding the blast.
A source close to West Midlands Police said: "The Met is obviously concerned about this and that is why they have circulated the information.
"This knife will almost certainly kill and the Met must have intelligence that they are in circulation.
"I think it is only a matter of time before one of these is used because the internet makes it much easier to find and buy weapons like this."
Labour MP for Perry Barr in Birmingham, Khalid Mahmood, said: "Weapons like this are absolutely disgraceful and there is no reason at all why people should be walking around the streets with them.
"There should be high-profile operations and high-profile arrests against anybody caught with them. The way to tackle the wider issue of knife crime is with effective community policing, which the West Midlands force does very well.
"The Met could pick up on the lessons from West Midlands Police in its excellent community work in places like Handsworth, Aston and Lozells."
The Wasp injection website states: "The effects of the compressed gas not only cause overinflation during ascent when used underwater, but also freezes all tissues and organs surrounding the point of injection on land or at sea." Senior police officers have been warned to look out for a new knife which can inject a ball of compressed gas into its victim that ins... more -
10 reasons why teenagers aren't that bad
As the British press works itself into a panic about the UK's teenage population - binge-drinking, drug-addled, knife-wielding thugs ready to leap out and stab a granny for a fiver, if recent reports are to be believed - BBC journalist Mark Easton stands up for this much-maligned group:
"10 reasons to cheer our teenagers
There is a real problem with knife-crime in some parts of the UK, let's not pretend otherwise. And there are many other problems concerning young people in this country.
But I thought it might be timely to remind ourselves that youth doesn't necessarily mean yob.
So here are ten reasons to cheer our teenagers:
1. Teenagers are more likely to do voluntary work than people from any other generation. In fact, they are 10 times more likely to be volunteering in our communities than regularly being antisocial in them.
2. More teenagers than ever before are staying on at school after 16 to study.
3. And more than ever are going on to further and higher education.
4. Despite the vilification, young people are far more likely to say England is a good place to grow up in (90%) than adults ( 71%).
5. And yet it is young people who are the most likely to be victims of crime.
6. They work hard at school - a record 62% of teenagers achieved 5 GCSEs grades A-C last year compared with 44% a decade earlier and 26% ten years before that.
7. Nearly two-thirds of 10-to-15-year-olds have helped raise money for charity.
8. According to English schools inspectors, bad behaviour in comprehensives is at its lowest level for at least a decade.
9. 175,000 under 18-year-olds are unpaid carers in the UK with some 13,000 providing more care than a full-time job (50+ hours).
10. In a recent survey more than nine out of ten young people said they thought their schoolwork was important and more than three-quarters enjoyed going to school.
This list doesn't mean teenagers are all little angels. They aren't and they never have been. But it would be a shame to demonise a social group that is actually happier, achieving at a higher level, with better health and more opportunity for travel, sport and cultural activities than any previous generation in our history. As the British press works itself into a panic about the UK's teenage population - binge-drinking, drug-addled, knife-wielding th... more -
The Armani of armour: bulletproof fashion for London's super rich
They are designed for the super-rich businessman who has everything and is afraid of everyone. Bulletproof leather jackets, which mix style with a reassuring lining of body armour, are going on sale in Britain.
Miguel Caballero, the world's only maker of "designer bulletproof fashion", is opening an outlet at Harrods in London next week.
His collection, which includes suede jackets, blazers and raincoats, arrives amid a big increase in sales of personal security products aimed at Russian oligarchs, Arab sheikhs and city financiers.
From armoured cars and body armour to bodyguards and homes fitted with "panic rooms", no expense is spared to protect billionaires and their families.
Buyers choose from three levels of protection – the lowest guarantees cover against handguns and the highest against automatic weapons. The composition of the lining is a closely guarded secret, but it is not the traditional Kevlar body armour. Mr Caballero is not likely to be short of customers. London's super-wealthy feel they need protection.
Demand has risen in cities such as Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham, where people want protection from gunmen and car hijackers. Sales of conventional body armour are rising too.
Have the paranoid rich gone crazy? Is it a case of more money than sense? Or should everyone, not just the super-rich, be looking for better ways to protect ourselves in an increasingly violent society? They are designed for the super-rich businessman who has everything and is afraid of everyone. Bulletproof leather jackets, which mix ... more -
Shock tactics for young knife carriers
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is to unveil plans to shock young people who carry knives into a greater awareness of the impact of stabbing on victims.
Her proposals include visits to hospitals where people are being treated for knife wounds.
The measures form part of the government's response to a spate of knife attacks.
I want to reassure everyone that the government is taking the issue of knife crime very seriously Home Secretary Jacqui Smith
Mrs Smith's proposals will see young people caught carrying knives being made to go to accident and emergency wards, to see for themselves the consequences of stabbings.
They will meet families of victims, and make prison visits to people convicted of knife offences. The measures will focus on a number of areas including London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Essex and the Thames Valley.
Mrs Smith also revealed she has written to all 43 chief constables in England and Wales, reminding them of their powers to require pubs and clubs that are associated with knife or gun problems to search customers on entry.
(BBC News)
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Is this the right way to tackle knife crime in Britain? What would you do? Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is to unveil plans to shock young people who carry knives into a greater awareness of the impact of stabbi... more
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Knife Crime
