Campaigners are holding march against knife crime in memory of murder victim Dennis Anderson

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Campaigners against knife killings are holding a march against knife crime tomorrow.

The family of a much-loved father, stabbed to death in a corner shop, are among those organising the rally and vigil.

The #DulwichSaysNo demonstration will take a stand against the devastating impact knife crime is causing families in the area.

It is jointly led by Leeanne Manzi, the partner of murder victim Dennis Anderson, who was knifed to death outside the Payless store in Lordship Lane on February 10.

The walk is part of a nationwide series of events and will include a two minutes’ silence to honour victims.

Dennis, a painter and decorator who grew up in Lewisham and lived with his partner and their daughter, Toni, in Bermondsey, was murdered after being attacked over a row about cigarettes.

His killer, Jahmel Michael Riley, 24, was sentenced to a minimum sentence of 23 years for killing Dennis with a hunting knife.

Dennis had tried to grab the weapon off Riley after he pulled it out when Dennis refused to hand him a cigarette.

His family and friends say they hope the march will raise awareness of violent crime and how anyone, from any walk of life, can be affected.

They have set up a fundraising page to help cover the cost of banners and posters, and a PA system on the day.

Their campaign is being supported by local football clubs Athenlay FC and Dulwich Hamlet FC.

The rally meets at East Dulwich railway station at 1pm tomorrow, before walking via Goose Green toward Peckham High Street to Peckham Library for 2pm, where there will be guest speakers and performances, and a minute’s silence at 3pm. There will be guest speakers until 4pm.

Dennis’s partner Leanne Manzi said: “On October 12, 2019, we have planned to come together as a community to unite against the continuing seriousness of violence mainly but not exclusively affecting our young people.

“We believe as a group of bereaved parents, families, teachers, community workers and grassroots organisations that we need to take responsibility for ensuring that the people within our communities are supported and have the tools needed to tackle this serge in violence.

“In our cities and towns we have lost a number of people to serious violence and having already individually protested, the Government and other organisations that need to take responsibility and action we feel that there has been very little change.

Because of this we have decided to unite as communities to share good practice and now look to support one another.

“In order to do this we need to engage with the public to inform them of where to go and what to do if they need help and support and bring back the community spirit.

“We have such good resources in our communities who work tirelessly with families and young people to offer support, encourage and change mind sets and much of this is done through individual passion.
“We want to change the current situation where intervention only happens when things have already gone drastically wrong.

“We have no intention of blocking or obstructing traffic, we will seek to use stewards to ensure people cross safely and responsibly any roads on route.

We are not protesting against any government or public service and are inviting all affected in communities to join us to unite.

“This includes residents, police, organisations, teachers, NHS staff and anyone who feels it necessary to unite their community.

“There are similar events happening across the country on the same day at the same time. There will also be community events planned and organised by individual organisations for families to take part in across the borough.”