MURDER CITY: Met vows to reduce homicide rate in capital after another fatal stabbing on street

A TOP cop has vowed the Met Police's commitment to drive down the murder rate is "total" after yet another fatal stabbing in the capital in the early hours of today<Sat>. Chief Inspector Karl Spour said: "Our commitment to arresting and charging those who commit violent crime and further reducing the number of people killed or injured on our streets is total." He spoke after a murder probe was launched after a man was stabbed to death in Staines Road, Hounslow, west London, at 12.30am today.

It was the 46th homicide in London this year, which is down on the past two years.

There were 131 homicides in 2021 in total and the total by June 14 2021 was 56 and the same date in 2020 it was 57. Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found a 31-year-old man suffering stab injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

Detective Chief Inspector James Shirley, Specialist Crime, said: “An urgent investigation is under way to establish what happened in the early hours of this morning and to identify who was responsible for this terrible attack “Our investigation will be extensive and painstaking, including a full forensic examination of the area, which is ongoing, and detailed enquiries to obtain all available CCTV. “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area and has yet to speak with police to get in touch. Even if you do not believe you saw anything of particular significance, please make contact with detectives. “I also want to hear from anyone who took photos or captured footage on their phone or other device, and from any drivers with dashcam footage from the local area at the time of the murder.” Mr Spour, of the Met’s West Area BCU, added: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in this tragic incident. I know they will be given a great deal of support by Met officers as they try to come to terms with what has happened. “Local people will see more officers in and around Staines Road and Hounslow town centre in the coming days. “I urge anyone with information about people who carry knives or other weapons to share what they know with police or charities such as Crimestoppers. In partnership with these organisations, we are always striving to build a picture of violent offenders and ultimately to keep people safe. Please help us in this vital work.” Anyone with information or any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, ref 189/25jun. To give information anonymously please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.