The chief of Oxfordshire’s police force has spoken out following a fatal stabbing attack in Southport.
Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, has issued a statement in response to recent incidents of violent and criminal disorder.
These events are in the wake of the tragic attack in Southport on Monday which resulted in the death of three children and injury to 10 others.
A 17-year-old charged with murdering three girls who were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has been named this week.
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Axel Muganwa Rudakubana is also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after eight other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack.
Matthew Barber said: “Like everyone across the country, I was deeply shocked and appalled by the devastating attack which occurred in Southport on Monday.
“Three young girls, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King lost their lives in an act of unspeakable violence.
“Merseyside Police, the North West Ambulance Service and many incredibly brave members of the public deserve our praise and admiration for their response to these horrific killings.
“Since Monday there has been shock, sadness and understandable anger that again, more young lives have been lost due to knife crime.
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“We all have a role to play to reduce knife crime and in Thames Valley, I will ensure it remains a priority.
“Alongside those concerns that we all share, some have chosen to use this tragedy to fuel their own political agenda.
“Sadly we have seen outbreaks of senseless and inexcusable violence, often aimed at the police. Such criminality must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“Whilst we have not seen any incidents occur in the Thames Valley to date, Thames Valley Police are fully prepared to respond to any disorder which may arise.
“Thames Valley Police have a strong record of supporting peaceful protest, but I will expect the Force to deal swiftly with acts of violence or criminality on our streets, whoever is responsible.
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“I welcome any improvements in intelligence sharing between police forces to ensure that officers can respond swiftly and appropriately to incidents of disorder.
“Ultimately we all want to live in a safer, less violent community.
“Legitimate protest is part of a healthy and robust democracy, but violence aimed at the police or public can never be tolerated.
“I want Thames Valley Police officers, who will bravely confront such threats, to be able to focus on tackling criminals and reducing knife crime.
“Ironically those who seek to exploit this loss of life for their own ends will be diverting police resources away from keeping all of our communities safe.”
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