Community concerned after recent stabbings in Peterborough

People living near the scene of a triple stabbing last week have expressed concerns about the neighborhood.

Police and local councillors conducted a walkthrough of Paston, Peterborough, on Friday to reassure the community that their concerns are being heard, stressing that the stabbings are being treated as an isolated incident.

But Vicky Hammond, who has lived in Paston for the past five years, said she was “scared to live in the area” and called for more visible policing.

Jackie and Ellis Howe, who have lived in Freston, Paston for more than 30 years, said they were “concerned for the elderly” due to anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Cambridgeshire Police said it had stepped up visible patrols in the area over the past week after the stabbings of last Friday.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for causing grievous bodily harm and has been released on bail until November.

Alex Rafiq, councillor for Paston and Walton ward, said he had received many messages since the incident.

“Residents wanted reassurance that this would not be swept under the carpet and today’s walkthrough certainly helped with that,” he said.

Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Warsop told the BBC that police “appreciate how seriously the community takes serious violence”.

“We have addressed most of the concerns by deploying officers to interact with residents,” he said.

“The local neighbourhood team will deal with a wider range of issues, from aggression to burglary and vehicle crime.

“We are also concerned about domestic violence and child sexual exploitation.”

Christy, who did not want to give her last name, said the recent developments were frightening.

“I’ve lived here for a long time… it’s not a good place to be out alone at night,” she said.

“There are gangs of kids hanging around… they may be okay, but it’s intimidating.”

She said the area also has a “huge problem” with litter and illegal dumping.

Mr and Mrs Howe said that although Paston was often described as “rough”, they “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else”.

“You could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and you could become part of the isolated incident,” Howe said.

“But the area goes through different stages… For years it is rough, but then it is beautiful: it is so green and leafy.”

Mrs Hammond said she felt ‘on the edge’ as a mother in that regard.

“I’m afraid to let my children out,” she said.

Chief Inspector Warsop said involving young people was a “difficult barrier” to break through.

“We take the opportunity to talk to young people, but we understand that many of them do not want to talk to the police,” he said.

“We are always open to dialogue with everyone.”