Police ask public to help with another Poplar murder

IT WAS broad daylight. It was a Saturday afternoon. It was Poplar. And other young man lost his life to knife crime.

The emergency services must have thought they were getting deja vu as they returned to Poplar yesterday afternoon, 15th June – just a few streets away from where they found Alimuz Zaman stabbed to death less than a month ago.

The London Ambulance Service came out first, called to Alton Street, E14 just before 2pm to reports that there was an injured man in the street. The medics alerted the police. Both services went about their duty. The medics did their best, but at 2.37pm they had to pronounce the victim, a 30 year old man, dead at the scene. The police wearily set up a crime scene, another East End crime scene, and brought in the Homicide and Major Crime Command to start the investigation.

While a post mortem is awaited, police are trying to identify and locate the victim’s next of kin.

Aware of the degree of public concern over knife crime, the Met have issued the following statement in connection with this latest stabbing.

“Bearing down on violent crime on the streets of London continues to be a top priority for the Met. Teams across the city are working tirelessly – day and night – to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, take weapons off the street, support victims, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe.

“However, the police cannot solve this problem alone. The police, our partners and the public must work together to deal with knife crime and prevent further lives being lost. Communities have a vital role to play in tackling violent crime. We want to hear from anyone who may have information about people who may carry knives or firearms, or who are involved in organised drug crime and violence.

“This information could save lives in the future. If you aren’t comfortable speaking directly to the police, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers. They do not ask your name or trace your call.

“If there are any young people who either have information about violence or knife crime, they can visit www.fearless.org where they can pass on information anonymously. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police.

•Anyone who witnessed this latest stabbing or has any other information about it is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting CAD4256/15JUN. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
St Paul’s Way murder: two local teens charged
Police stumped by Bethnal Green brawl