‘This is now an epidemic’: Grassroots organisation calls for action after fatal Walworth stabbing

Another young man has died from stab wounds this week, resulting in a call to action from “underfunded” grassroots organisations.

The Met launched a murder probe after a 21-year-old man was knifed to death in Hillingdon Street, Walworth at around 9.15pm on Monday night.

Cops attended the scene alongside London Ambulance Service crews. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The 21-year-old has not been formally identified as police enquiries to locate his next of kin continue.

Five men and a woman – all aged in their 20s – were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the attack. They all remain in police custody, pending further investigation.

Mark Rodney, founder of Project Lifeline – a family-run organisation that works with young people affected by violence across South London – said: “Sadly, we are losing our children every day. 

“This is now an epidemic and needs to be treated as such.”

Monday night’s tragedy comes after Troy Ramsundar, 34, was stabbed to death in Brixton Road on March 20. Ibrahim Gonclaves-Cumare, 30, of no fixed address, was charged with his murder.

Weeks earlier, on March 4, a shooting in Stockwell claimed the life of 16-year-old Nathaniel Burrell. Three men and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with his murder.

On January 7, 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed to death on a route 472 bus in Woolwich Church Road. Two teenage boys, 15 and 16, have been charged with his murder.

Project Lifeline, which launched in October 2023, is built on years of youth work, running through the family for generations. The service works with families, individuals and partner organisations, including the London Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

Mr Rodney said: “A considerable amount of funds come into boroughs to address knife crime, but how much of those funds are spent on the real at-risk young people caught up in this cycle of violence ?

“Known to authorities as ‘The Unknowns’, these young people are a testament to the lack of knowledge and understanding from the institutions meant to protect and serve them.

“Underfunded groups are working in the fight against youth violence, proving that these young people are not unknown to those dedicated to making a difference.”

The VRU takes a community-led approach to tackling violence in 11 of the most affected neighbourhoods. The unit received a further £1million in funding last week to deliver sports and physical activities for young people at greatest risk of being affected by violence.

But Mr Rodney said: “It’s well-known that those at greatest risk do not engage with local authorities, and there is no governing over Community Interest Companies that dominate this space.”

Parents and young people are embracing Project Lifeline’s direct approach which addresses the root causes of knife crime and engages those affected most, Mr Rodney said.

He continued: “But without support and cooperation from local authorities, our efforts will continue to be stifled and the epidemic of youth violence will persist.”

The Met are appealing for information following Monday night’s stabbing.

Borough Commander Emma Bond who leads policing in Southwark has said: “We understand this news is both shocking and unsettling to the community and a number of crime scenes remain in place.

“Our investigations continue and there will be an increased police presence in the area, I advise anyone in the community who has concerns to speak to their local officers.”

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police via 101 stating CAD7392/14APR. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Foresnsic investigators at the scene in Hillingdon Street, Walworth, following death of a 21-year-old man on Monday (Picture: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)