Call for action after four stabbings in eight days in Wolverhampton
Political leaders in Wolverhampton have called for action after four stabbings in eight days in the city.
MP Emma Reynolds and Wolverhampton council's Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson have both urged people to think about the consequences of carrying knives.
The latest incident saw a 17-year-old attacked in an alleyway on Jameson Street, in Whitmore Reans, at around 2.10am on Saturday.
He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The stabbing follows three attacks in four days last week.
A man in his 20s was knifed four times in Lime Street Park in Pennfields last Monday afternoon, while two schoolboys were stabbed in Owen Road and Ashland Street last Friday.
Miss Reynolds described the spate of knife-related attacks as 'worrying' and said a combination of responses were needed.
The Wolverhampton North East MP said: "It's really worrying – the fourth in a week.
"I had a discussion with the deputy chief superintendent last week in Wolverhampton and she reassured me police are taking this incredibly seriously.
"Several things can be done, including increasing the penalties and punishments for knife crime.
"To prevent young people joining gangs as well is also important, as a number of these incidents are due to gangs and violence.
"A knife if it is used to kill is just as deadly as a gun. We need a sea change in young people's expectations."
Councillor Thompson said: "It is certainly shocking to hear of four incidents in eight days.
"What we have got to do is get into schools and do as much education about knife crimes as possible.
"I would also definitely advocate stop and search – this has been shown to work in London.
"Some people might not like it but what matters are that families are suffering and we need to do everything we can.
"When you have these sort of things happening it means people don't want to go out on the streets."
Following the Whitmore Reans stabbing, Det Sgt Chris Jones, from Force CID, said: "We want to hear from anyone who has information about this attack, we believe that the victim may also have had his mobile phone stolen.
"I’d urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with me or a member of my team."
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log 237 of February 3.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
